Abstract

The positron annihilation lifetime (PAL) spectroscopy characteristics of ethylene-propylene-diene monomer rubber (EPDM) composites reinforced with treated wheat husk fibers (WHFs) were investigated for the first time. PAL spectroscopy is employed to study the free volume of polymers. The use of lignocellulosic materials as reinforcement in polymeric composites has gained attention due to their low cost, availability, and eco-friendliness. In this study, the impact of the loading concentration on the interfacial adhesion between the EPDM matrix and WHFs is quantified, along with the evaluation of swelling measurement and tensile properties. Additionally, the nanoscopic properties derived from PAL spectroscopy correlate with the composites’ macroscopic properties. In addition, the dielectric properties of the investigated samples have been studied, and their conductivity has been calculated. To determine the conduction mechanism within these samples and how it is affected by the addition of WHF, the change in electrical conductivity with the frequency of the external electric field applied to the samples was studied, and from this, the conduction mechanism was determined, and the barrier height value was calculated. The experimental results provide insights into the relationship between the structure and properties of EPDM-WHF biocomposites, offering valuable knowledge for developing sustainable and high-performance materials.

Details

Title
Study of mechanical and electrical properties through positron annihilation spectroscopy for ethylene-propylene-diene rubber biocomposites with treated wheat husk fibers
Author
Mohamed, Hamdy F. M. 1 ; Taha, Howayda G. 2 ; Mohammed, Wael M. 1 ; Abdel-Hady, Esam E. 1 ; Awad, Somia 1 

 Minia University, Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Minia, Egypt (GRID:grid.411806.a) (ISNI:0000 0000 8999 4945) 
 Atomic Energy Authority, Radiation Safety Department, Nuclear and Radiological Safety Research Center, Cairo, Egypt (GRID:grid.429648.5) (ISNI:0000 0000 9052 0245) 
Pages
24302
Publication year
2024
Publication date
2024
Publisher
Nature Publishing Group
e-ISSN
20452322
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
ProQuest document ID
3117209588
Copyright
© The Author(s) 2024. This work is published under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (the “License”). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.