Mechanics of Advanced Composite Structures

Mechanics of Advanced Composite Structures

Biodegradation, Mechanical and Physical Properties of Poly(butylene succinate) and Natural Rubber Compound Blend Filled with Activated Carbon from Coconut Fruit

Document Type : Research Article

Authors
Nuan La-ong Srakaew 1
Ing-orn Sittitanadol 2
Patcharapon Somdee 1
Sombut Noyming 1
Witawat Singsang 3
Pranee Chumsamrong 4
Natkrita Prasoetsopha 1
1 Department of Materials and Medical Technology Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand
2 Department of Metallurgical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, Khon Kaen Campus, Khon Kaen, 40000, Thailand
3 Department of Aircraft Part Manufacturing Technology, Faculty of Industrial Technology, Rambhai Barni Rajabhat University, Chanthaburi, 22000, Thailand
4 School of Polymer Engineering, Institute of Engineering, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand
10.22075/macs.2025.34363.1684
Abstract
Activated carbon (AC) was synthesized from coconut fruit and used as a bio-filler in poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and natural rubber compound (NRC) composites. The activation process used a potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution, followed by microwave irradiation. Two KOH concentrations (1 M and 3 M) were used, and the obtained AC was labeled AC 1 M KOH and AC 3 M KOH. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of AC type and content (0-6 phr) on the mechanical, physical, and biodegradation properties of PBS/NRC/AC composites. The results showed that AC contained 73-74 % carbon content. The AC 3 M KOH exhibited a higher surface area. The mechanical properties of PBS/NRC/AC composites, including flexural strength, impact strength, tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and elongation at fracture, tended to decrease with increasing amounts of AC. However, adding AC 3 M KOH had a more positive effect on these properties compared to AC 1 M KOH. The crystalline structure of PBS was not affected, while the melt flow index (MFI) of the composite tended to decrease with the addition of AC. The composite with 6 phr of AC 3 M KOH showed 22.4% CO₂ absorption, 35% degradation after 6 months, and 0.84% water absorption, all of which were higher than those observed for 6 phr of AC 1 M KOH. The surface morphology of PBS/NRC/AC composites had a rough appearance, with rubber particles and AC dispersed within the PBS matrix. The surface roughness intensified with increasing AC content.
Keywords
Poly(butylene succinate)
Natural rubber
Coconut
Activated carbon
Subjects
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