Nanomechanical and dynamic mechanical properties of rubber–wood–plastic composites

This article presents the assessment of bulk and in situ mechanical properties of rubber–wood–plastic composites (RubWPC) and their correlations, aiming to obtain a thorough understanding of mechanical behaviour of RubWPC, which is an essential prerequisite in realising their optimal design and applications. Dynamic mechanical analysis results showed that the composites treated with multiple coupling agents (combination of maleic anhydride polyethylene [MAPE] and bis(triethoxysilylpropyl)tetrasulfide and combination of MAPE and vinyltrimethoxysilane) exhibited greater storage modulus than both the untreated and single coupling agent treated composites owing to their superior interfacial bonding quality. The shift of relaxation peak and T g towards higher temperatures observed in the treated composites confirmed the enhancement of interfacial interaction and adhesion. Nanoindentation analysis suggested that the composite with optimised interface (MAPE and Si69 treated) possessed better nanomechanical property (elastic modulus) due to the resin penetration into cell lumens and vessels and the reaction between cell walls and coupling agents.

Color Change and Physical-Mechanical Properties of Polystyrene-Impregnated Glulam from Three Tropical Fast-Growing Wood Species

The aims of this work were to determine the color change and physical–mechanical properties of polystyrene glulam from three tropical wood species. Wood laminas were cut from logs harvested from a young plantation forest of manii (Maesopsis eminii), mangium (Acacia mangium), and rubber-wood (Hevea brasiliensis). The laminas were impregnated with monomer styrene that was polymerized using potassium peroxy-disulfate as a catalyst and heat. Three-layer glulam was constructed from the polystyrene laminas, using isocyanate glue and cold press. For comparison purposes, three-layer untreated glulam and solid wood samples were prepared. The results showed that the color change of polystyrene glulam was very small compared with untreated glulam. Polystyrene glulam had the highest density, while the density of untreated glulam did not differ from that of the solid wood. The moisture content of all products was matched to the environment, and fulfilled the Japanese standard. Compared with both types of glulams, solid wood had lower values for modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), and hardness, but higher shear strength. Meanwhile, polystyrene glulam had lower values for MOR and MOE, equal shear strength and wood failure, and higher hardness than the untreated glulam. All glulams had very little delamination in the hot water test. Only rubber-wood glulams fulfilled JAS 234-2003 for MOR, MOE, shear strength, and delamination. To obtain adequate physical–mechanical properties of glulams, medium-density wood is recommended for glulam manufacturing.

Pengaruh Kadar Perekat Terhadap Karakteristik Briket Arang Limbah Kayu Karet (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg)

The study aimed to determine the effects of adhesive content on rubber wood charcoal briquette characteristics. Wood charcoal was produced using a double-drum retort kiln at > 500°C. Wood charcoals were crushed into powder and then mixed with tapioca adhesive of 5%, 10%, and 15%. The charcoal-adhesive mix was then pressed using a hydraulic press machine. For comparison, rubber wood biomass briquettes were also produced using wood particle-adhesive mix with similar adhesive content. Biomass and charcoal briquettes characteristics as physical properties (density and water absorption), chemical properties (ultimate analysis, and FTIR analysis) and energy properties (calorific value) were evaluated. The results showed that density ranged between 0.52-0.56 g/cm3, water absorption of 6.54-7.47%, C content of 82.67-84.41%, H content of 3.28-3.60%, N content of 0.67%-0.74%, and calorific value of 30.76-32.86 MJ/kg. The results of FTIR analysis showed changes in the spectrum of the wave band on the functional groups OH, CH, C≡H, C=C, and C=O, indicating the decomposition of the chemical components of rubber wood due to pyrolysis. The results prove that increasing the adhesive content can reduce the quality of briquettes. Based on physical, chemical, and energy properties, charcoal briquettes with 5% adhesive showed better characteristics than briquettes with 10% and 15% adhesive content, showing water absorption of 6.54%, C content of 84.41%, H content of 3.28%, and heating value of 32.86 MJ/kg. Keywords: adhesive content, charcoal briquette, pyrolysis, rubber wood waste, tapioca starch

In Polymerization of Environment Friendly Melamine-Urea-Glyoxal Resin in Rubber Wood for Improved Physical and Mechanical Properties

In the study, we report that a safe and simple way for upgrading inferior rubber wood through the combined modification of environment-friendly MUG resin was synthesized from glyoxal, melamine, urea, and other additives. MUG-treated wood samples were prepared with six different MUG resin concentrations (5, 15, 25, 35, 45, and 55 wt %) into the wood matrix and then heated and polymerized to form a solid and hydrophobic MUG resin in the wood scaffold, and the physico-mechanical properties were evaluated. As the MUG resin concentration increased, the weight percent gain and density increased, water uptake and leachability decreased, and the antiswelling efficiency increased at first and then decreased. MUG-treated wood sample can be prepared when the MUG resin concentration was set as 25%, and the physical properties of treated wood was optimum. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis showed that the MUG resin is widely distributed in the cell lumens and cell walls. With enhanced physico-mechanical properties, MUG-treated wood sample can be well used as a promising alternative to existing engineered wood products for structural applications.

Effect of Wood Vinegar Substitutes on Acetic Acid for Coagulating Natural Para Rubber Sheets during the Drying Process

The coagulating properties of wood vinegar from para rubber wood, bamboo, and coconut shell used as a substitute for acetic acid in the production process of natural rubber (NR) sheets were investigated and considered. For the dirt and volatile content, the tensile strength at break, the percentage of elongation at break, and the 300% modulus, the results showed that the types of wood vinegar coagulants were not significantly different from acetic acid. However, the Mooney viscosity and plasticity retention index (PRI) properties were significantly different from those of acetic acid. The NR sheet temperature increased rapidly during the first hour after the drying process started due to heat transfer from the hot air. Afterward, the temperature of the NR sheet samples began to stabilize. When the drying process started, the drying temperature was increased, so the trend was reducing the drying time. For the yellowness index (YI) value, the increase in the YI value was related to the type of coagulating material, the increase in the airspeed, and the drying temperature. The dried sheet samples using para rubber wood vinegar as the coagulating material had a color value at the same level as acetic acid and the referent. However, the bamboo and coconut shell wood vinegars were at a lower level. In comparing the YI value data between the experimental results and prediction values, the second-degree model had a better fit in prediction than the zero-degree and first-degree models. This result was confirmed by the higher mean of the coefficient of determination. The dried sheet product coagulated by using wood vinegar had fungus growth prior to supplying it to the customer.

Prediction of Size Distribution and Mass Concentration of Smoke Particles on Moisture Content and Combustion Period from Para Rubber Wood Burning

The size distribution and total particle mass concentration (TPMC) of smoke particles from para rubber wood (Hevea brasiliensis) combustion in the ribbed smoked sheet (RSS) process were studied. In this experiment, temperature data values of para rubber wood combustion were recorded at 500 mm above the base of the fire by K-type thermocouples. The wood moisture content and wood combustion period were used to find and improve an equation of smoke particle size distribution (SPSD) and TPMC by the response surface method (RSM). An eight-stage Andersen air sampler and a high-volume sampler were used to measure and calculate SPSD and TPMC, respectively. Resulting data in this experiment showed that TPMC ranged from 3.12 to 77.42 mg/m3. SPSD was single mode in which MMAD, mass median aerodynamic diameter, ranged from 0.64 to 1.27 microns for para wood with moisture content ranging from 31.5 to 89.7% dry weight basis. The combustion period and moisture content of para wood have a direct effect on the change of temperature data above the base of the fire and the TPMC and MMAD values. For predicting TPMC and MMAD values by the para wood moisture contents in each combustion period, the results found that the second-degree model was a better plot than the first-degree model, confirmed by higher values of the coefficient of determination (R2).

The Effect of Biomass Shapes on Combustion Characteristic in Updraft Chamber

Combustion of agricultural residues and wastes for energy applications is still popular. However, combustion of biomass with different shapes leads to many side effects such as agglomeration, emission and incomplete combustion. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the effects of biomass shapes on combustion characteristics in an updraft combustion chamber. The rubber wood chip, coconut shell, oil palm empty fruit bunch, corn straw, rubber wood sawdust, and mixed palm cake were used as fuel and they were categorized as 3 shapes namely, chip shape, fiber shape, and powder shape. The biomass sample was combusted in simple cylindrical shape combustion chamber. The diameter of combustion chamber was 20 cm and its height was 160 cm. The biomass sample (moisture content below 20%) with amount of 1 kg was used to perform the experiment. The ambient air that had velocity of 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00 m/s (corresponding to an equivalence ratio of 1-3.5) was supplied to combustion chamber. The temperature at different positions along combustion chamber height and the properties of flue gases (carbon monoxide) were then measured. The results showed that the biomass shape had effect on combustion characteristics. Combustion of fiber shape biomass led to low combustion temperature, while the carbon monoxide in flue gases was high. This indicates the improper combustion process. The chip shape biomass was well combusted at a higher air velocity and the flue gases had lowest carbon monoxide. The highest combustion temperature was obtained from combustion of powder shape biomass. However, it led to the problem of unburned biomass such in case of sawdust. This is because the sawdust powder was carried from combustion chamber before burning completely.