Effect of moisture, temperature, ultraviolet light exposure and fungal decay on durability of natural fibre plastic composites.
Published: 2004
Language: eng
Number of pages: 113
Description: Effects of moisture, temperature, UV light and fungal decay on durability of natural fibre plastic composites (NFPC) were assessed. Based on changes of mechanical properties, correlations between laboratory tests and natural exposure were developed. Chemical changes of composite's materials were measured using X-ray-Photoelectron Spectroscopy. Fungal decay of hemp, flax, rice husks, softwood and hardwood, and a NFPC was evaluated through weight loss and compressive strength. Agronomical, Brown-rot and White-rot fungi were tested.Brown and white-rot fungi degraded all fibres with weight losses up to 66.4%. Agronomical fungi caused decay on non-wood fibres only, with weight losses up to 34.8%.Moisture affected the MOR and the MOE of the composite. Long-term performance was predicted with short-term tests.The fibre component of the NFPC experienced weight losses up to 10.7%. The compressive strength of the composite did not change, and no correlation was found between the weight loss and this property.
Notes: Advisers:  Mohini Sain; Paul Cooper.

Thesis (M.Sc.F.)--University of Toronto, 2004.

Electronic version licensed for access by U. of T. users.

Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 43-03, page: 0963.

MICR copy on microfiche (2 microfiches).