Thermoplasticization of bagasse. II. Dimensional stability and mechanical properties of esterified bagasse composite

This research was to investigate the conversion of bagasse into a thermo mo ldable material through esterification of the fiber matrix. For this purpos e, bagasse fiber was esterified in the absence of solvent using succinic an hydride. The dimensional stability and mechanical properties of composites prepared from the esterified fibers were studied. Dimensional stability was found to be dependent on the total ester and monoester/diester content of esterified fibers and increased with increasing total ester and monoester c ontent of the fibers. The mechanical properties (bending strength, tensile strength, and hardness) were enhanced with increasing monoester contents. S canning electron microscopy was used to prove the occurrence of thermoplast icization of the esterified fibers. (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.