Abstract Detail

Recent Topics Posters

Creer , Marylyn Height [1], Tiimob, Boniface [2], Rangari, Vijaya [3].

The Reinforcing Effect Of Sacharum Officinarium (sugarcane) Bagasse Nanoparticles  On Bio-based Epoxy System.

Polymers are generally poor in strength and stiffness. Hence, reinforcement materials are often incorporated into their structures to improve mechanical properties.  Such improvements are critical in order to ensure reliability and safety for end users in industries that include aerospace, aeronautical, automobile, and healthcare, as well as for applications in the biomedical field and other consumer usages.  Polymers are used to create products that also include lubricants, adhesives, artificial joints, orthopedic plates and heart valves and in the production of nonplastic objects, such as silicone and paper and can be found in thousands of different products. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),  the average person dumps about 4.5 pounds of waste into landfills every day contributing to environmental problems related to these landfills. Analysts have determined that global plastic consumption is nearly 100 million tons per year.  Using alternative biodegradable products is very important to addressing this ever growing problem. Biodegradable materials are environmentally friendly because they release few, if any greenhouse gases or carbon.  They require no oil for manufacturing processes that pollute the environment; they require only half the energy to produce, compared to non-biodegradable materials, their recycling requires less energy and they break down faster. Bagasse is a derivative of the sugar cane plant stalk and is biodegradable.  It was produced in nanoscale size to act as a reinforcer of the Super Sap epoxy 100/1000 system toward enhanced performance.  Bagasse nanoparticles (NPs) were added to the epoxy resin in 1, 2, 3, and 4% increments respectively, then cast into silicon rubber mold and allowed to cure. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) which measures storage/loss modulus; Thermomechanical analysis (TMA),which measures dimension changes;  and Thermogravimetric  analysis (TGA) which determines  the effects of bagasse NPs on the thermal stability of the composite, were done for thermomechanical characterization. We hypothesize that the addition of the sugar cane bagasse NPs to the sample will greatly strengthen the end product like other inorganic fillers from synthetic sources.  We will determine whether 1,2,3, or 4% bagasse is best  for providing the maximum improvement of the thermal performance of the polymer.  This information can be very important for industries and fields that rely on products with good quality and performance for end users. The use of bagasse can strengthen the polymer making it a more viable, and environmentally safe product.

1 - Alabama A&M University, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, P.O. Box 132, Normal, AL, 35762
2 - Tuskegee University , Department of Material Science and Engineering, 100 Chappie James Center, Tuskegee, AL, 36088, USA
3 - Tuskegee University , Department of Material Science and Engineering, 100 Chappie James Center, Tuskegee, AL, 36088

Keywords:
none specified

Presentation Type: Recent Topics Poster
Session: P
Location: /
Date: Monday, July 28th, 2014
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PRT017
Abstract ID:1255
Candidate for Awards:None