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Modified abaca fiber prepared by radiation-induced graft polymerization as a reinforcement for unsaturated polyester resin composites

Polymer Journal volume 56, pages 97–105 (2024)Cite this article

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Abstract

In this study, the preparation and characterization of unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) composites reinforced with abaca fibers modified using radiation-induced graft polymerization are investigated. The aim is to assess the influences of these modified abaca fibers as reinforcement materials on the thermal stability, moisture resistance, and mechanical properties of the composites. The results demonstrate significant enhancements in the tensile and flexural strengths of the prepared composites relative to those reinforced with untreated fibers, yielding minimum increases of 23% in tensile strength and 59% in flexural strength. The most substantial improvement is achieved with abaca fibers modified through the reversible addition−fragmentation chain-transfer–mediated grafting mechanism. In addition, short, grafted chains on abaca fibers produce the greatest enhancement in mechanical strength. The modified composites exhibit improved thermal stability and moisture resistance. These enhancements can be attributed to the improved interfacial adhesion between the modified abaca fibers and the UPR matrix, as confirmed by scanning electron microscope analysis. Overall, these findings highlight the potential of this approach as a surface modification technique for enhancing the applicability of natural fibers in the composite industry.

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Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the financial support given by the Department of Science and Technology–Science Education Institute (DOST–SEI), which sponsored the graduate scholarship and fellowship grant of Barba as part of their Human Resource Development Program. This work was partially supported by JSPS KAKENHI (Grant No. JP17K05956). The authors acknowledge the contributions of the Environment Polymer Group of QST-TARRI in providing assistance and facilities for conducting the experiments.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chemistry Research Section, Department of Science and Technology, Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, Quezon City, 1101, Philippines

    Bin Jeremiah D. Barba & Jordan F. Madrid

  2. Department of Chemistry, College of Science, De La Salle University, Manila, 0922, Philippines

    Bin Jeremiah D. Barba & David P. Penaloza Jr.

  3. Foundational Quantum Technology Research Directorate, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST), Takasaki, 370-1292, Japan

    Noriaki Seko

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  1. Bin Jeremiah D. Barba
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Correspondence to Jordan F. Madrid or David P. Penaloza Jr..

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Barba, B.J.D., Seko, N., Madrid, J.F. et al. Modified abaca fiber prepared by radiation-induced graft polymerization as a reinforcement for unsaturated polyester resin composites. Polym J 56, 97–105 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41428-023-00851-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41428-023-00851-z

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