Microwave assisted fabrication of poly butyl methacrylate reinforced biocomposites with improved mechanical properties solvent and chemical resistance

Microwave (MW) assisted polymerization offers numerous advantages over conventional thermal methods, including rapid monomer conversion, improved product quality, and moreover environmentally friendly nature. The present investigation demonstrates a process of synthesis of Polybutylmethacrylate (PBM) reinforced biocomposites (PBCs) with improved product properties under MW irradiation. The process of synthesis of PBCs involves 2,2-azobisisobutyronitrile (1.0% w/v) initiated impregnation polymerization of butyl methacrylate (20-60%, v/v) into poplar wood lumens in water /methanol medium (ASTM D 1413-61), followed by curing under microwave irradiation. For this purpose, specimens based on a low grade wood were fabricated following IS 1708-66. PBCs with polybutyl methacrylate (PBM) reinforced (PBCs) loading (wt %) in the range of 16-40 were isolated and characterized through diverse analytical methods. Dispersion of PBM into poplar wood matrix was ascertained through Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Effect of quantitative loading PBM on composition (ASTM D 1106-56), moisture resistance (ASTM D1037 72a 79), density (ASTM D 792-66 1970), compressive strength (ASTM D 695-02a), impact strength (ASTM D143-94/2000) and solubility of PBCs in organic media (ASTM D 1109 56 72) has been investigated. PBCs have shown enhanced solubility resistance against water, moisture and a series of chemical organic media. The study reveals that 35 wt% PBM loading was sufficient to enhance the compressive (74.5 %), charpy impact (24.75%) and Izod impact (16.65%) of PBCs over untreated wood. The present finding delivers a MW assisted environmentally benign process of production of poly butyl methacrylate reinforced biocomposites with improved product qualities for potential applications in construction industries.

Dr. Manoj Kumar is a Professor in Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering & Technology at IFTM University Moradabad Uttar Pradesh. He holds a Ph. D in Mechanical Engineering from G.B. Pant University of Agricultural & Technology, Pantnagar India. Dr. Kumar have supervised more than 25 PG students in Mechanical and Civil Engineering and has published extensively on Materials Science and Engineering, Manufacturing Science, Composite Materials and Thermal Sciences. He is currently the Director of School of Engineering & Technology at the IFTM University of Moradabad Uttar Pradesh, India.