INVESTIGATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS ON COTTON ALBUMEN COMPOSITE

BY

FAUZIAH MD YUSOF

A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Science in Materials

Engineering

Kulliyyah of Engineering International Islamic University

Malaysia

JUNE 2012

ABSTRACT

Research on· the production of composite from natural fiber and renewable raw materials has generated an enormous attention due to environmental awareness that they can be safely disposed after use without polluting the environment. In order to give an idea on the resistance, durability, sustainability and reliability of the composite during application at indoors or outdoors, it is important to study the environmental effects on composite. This project focused on studying the environmental effects on cotton albumen composite (CAC). Investigations on the mechanical strength of this composite to withstand and uphold the effect of temperature, water and ultra violet (UV) radiation were studied. This work started with preparation of CAC by hand lay-up technique and curing in 14 days at room temperature. The fabricated CACs were then exposed to three different environmental conditions which were heat, UV radiation and water exposures. The mechanical properties of CAC after environmental exposure were then studied. The results showed that tensile and impact strength increased after heat exposure at temperature of 40°C, 60°C and 85°C. CAC that was heated at 60°C in 20 days showed the maximum tensile of 11.23 MPa after 20 days and maximum impact strength of 20.39 kJ/m2 after 30 days heating at 60°C. It signified that heat strengthened the albumen matrix due to aggregation of protein network thus increased the interfacial hardening. However, prolong heating up to 40 days decreased the tensile and impact strength due to the increment in hardness and brittleness. The tensile strength decreased to 7.37 MPa at 85°C heating after 40 days. Heat showed a destructive effect on cellulose, degraded it by increasing the rate of chemical reaction. Results on the UV radiation exposure showed similar trend to the effect of heat but with lower value of tensile and impact strength due to the biodegradation. The maximum tensile and impact strength after UV radiation only gave the value of 9.62 MPa and 15.27 kJ/m2 respectively. Meanwhile water immersion results showed lowest decreasing in impact and tensile strength at 3.70 MPa and 4.44 kJ/m2 respectively due to the water absorption caused by hydrophilic property of albumen and cotton fiber. The morphology study was carried out using scanning electron microscope (SEM) to evaluate the microstructure of the fabricated CAC. SEM images revealed that decreasing in mechanical properties after heat, UV radiation and water immersion exposures were due to matrix loss and fiber/matrix debonding. Behavior of fracture surface was dominated by fiber pull-out signified weak interfacial adhesion. This research summarized that properties of CAC were affected by heat, UV radiation and water. Furthermore, degradability ofCAC was highly accelerated in watery condition compared to heat and UV radiation exposures.

ii

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iii

APPROVAL PAGE

I certify that I have supervised and read this study and that in my opinion; it conforms to acceptable standards of scholarly presentation and is fully adequate, in scope and quality, as a dissertation for the degree of Master of Science in Materials Engineering.

~!t·····••''''""'''' .. '''''''''''' Supe isor '

Zurai a~~ad C°'su 1 isor

I certify that I have read this study and that in my opinion; it conforms to acceptable standards of scholarly presentation and is fully adequate, in scope and quality, as a

dissertation for the degree of Master of Science. in(!-.:i.&~ineering ................. .. Haz~ar Examiner (Internal)

I certify that I have read this study and that in my opinion; it conforms to acceptable standards of scholarly presentation and is fully adequate, in scope and quality, as a dissertation for the degree of Master of Science in Materials Engineering.

Othman Mamat Examiner (External)

This thesis was submitted to the Department of Miu:6 ring and Materials Engineering and is accepted as a fulfilment of the re rew;;,,t for the degree of Master of Science in Materials Engineering.

··············· ............................. . Erry Yulian T. Adesta Head of Department Manufacturing & Materials Engineering

This thesis was submitted to the Kulliyyah of Engineering and is accepted as a fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Science in Materials

Engineering. ...... ". fJJY... ............ .. Amir Akramin Shafie Dean, Kulliyyah of Engineering

iv

DECLARATION

I hereby declare that this dissertation is the result of my own investigations, except

where otherwise stated. I also declare that it has not been previously or concurrently

submitted as a whole for any other degrees at IIUM or other institutions.

Fauziah Binti Md Yusof

Signature: .... ~ ...... . --if? I s-/ ?Ao , 1-nate: ....................... .

V

INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA

DECLARATION OF COPYRIGHT AND AFFIRMATION OF FAIR USE OF UNPUBLISHED RESEARCH

Copyright© 2012 by International Islamic University Malaysia. All rights reserved.

INVESTIGATION OF ENVffiONMENTAL EFFECTS ON COTTON ALBUMEN COMPOSITE

No part of this unpublished research may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the permission of the copyright holder except as provided below.

1. Any material contained in or derived from this unpublished research may only be used by others in their writing with due acknowledgement.

2. HUM or its library will have the right to make and transmit copies {print or electronic) for institutional and academic purpose.

3. The HUM library will have the right to make, store in a retrieval system and supply copies of this unpublished research if requested by other universities and research libraries.

Affirmed by Fauziah Binti Md Yusof

·····~······ Signature Date

vi

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful and the Most compassionate.

Praise to Allah for His Great Blessing and Solawat to our beloved Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H). Alhamdulillah with His blessing and guidance, I am able to complete this thesis.

In the first place I would like to convey my greatest thankfulness to my supervisor, Assist. Prof. Dr. Zahurin Halim, and my co-supervisor Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zuraida Ahmad. With their full support and advice from the very early stage of this research, I could manage to complete this thesis. It is an honor to work with them.

I am grateful to HUM lab technicians namely Bro. Hairi, Bro. Ibrahim and Bro. Shamsul for their assistance and knowledge sharing. Also not to forget some UiTM technicians such as Bro. Rahimi, Bro. Kamarul Ezuwan and others for their helps.

I also would like to extend my appreciation to my HUM friends, Sis. Yusliza Yusof, Sis. Nor Shahida Sharifuddin, Sis. Toiyibah, Sis. Fatimatuz Zuhrah, Sis. Hieda, Sis. Iju, Sis. Rini and other long lists that not mentioned here.

My sincere gratitude also goes to my colleagues, Nor Amalina Nordin, Zuraidah Salleh, Nor Leha Abdul Rahman and others.

Last but not least, I would like to express my thanks from the bottom heart to my lovely parents, Patimah Akop and Md Yusof Md Aris, my husband, Muhammad Firdaus Ibrahim, my mother in law, Hazisah Jamaluddin, my siblings, in laws and all family members for the moral support and encouragement. Thank you again to all. Finally, I would like to give my sincere gratitude to all people who were involved either directly or indirectly in helping me throughout this project.

vii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Abstract ................................................................................................................ ii Abstract in Arabic ................................................................................................. iii Approval Page ...................................................................................................... iv Declaration Page .................................................................................................. v Copyright Page ..................................................................................................... vi Acknowledgements .............................................................................................. vii List of Figures ....................................................................................................... xii List of Abbreviations ............................................................................................ xiv List of Symbols ..................................................................................................... xv

CHAP'I'ER 1: INTRODUCTION ...................................................................... 1 1.1 Background ......................................................................................... 1 1.2 Environmental Effects on Composite ................................................... 4 1.3 Problem Statement and Its Significance ................................................ 6 1.4 Research Objectives ............................................................................. 7 1.5 Research Methodology ......................................................................... 8 1.6 Scope of Research ................................................................................ 10 I . 7 Thesis Outline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 0

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW ........................................................... 11 2.1 Introduction .......................................................................................... 11 2.2 History of Natural Fiber Composites ..................................................... 11 2.3 Current Application of Natural Fiber Composites ................................ 14 2.4 Natural Fiber as Reinforcement ............................................................ 17 2.5 Cotton as Reinforcement ...................................................................... 19 2.6 Albumen as Bio matrix ........................................................................ 22 2. 7 Total Green Composite ........................................................................ 24 2.8 Heat Effect on Composite .................................................................... 26 2.9 Ultraviolet Radiation Effect on Composite ........................................... 28 2.10 Water Effect on Composite ................................................................ 31 2.11 Summary ........................................................................................... 33

CHAP'I'ER 3: METHODOLOGY ...................................................................... 34 3. I Introduction .......................................................................................... 34 3 .2 Raw Materials ...................................................................................... 34

3.2.1 Cotton Fibers .............................................................................. 34 3.2.2 Albumen Matrix ......................................................................... 34

3.3 Fabrication of Cotton Albumen Composite ........................................... 35

viii

3.4 Environmental Effects on Cotton Albumen Composite ......................... 37 3.4.1 Heat Effect on Cotton Albumen Composite ................................ 37 3.4.2 UV Radiation Effect on Cotton Albumen Composite .................. 37 3.4.3 Water Effect on Cotton Albumen Composite .............................. 38

3.5 Mechanical Testing .............................................................................. 39 3.5.1 Tensile Test ............................................................................... 39 3.5.2 Impact Test ............................................................................... 39

3.6 Scanning Electron Microscopy Examination ......................................... 39 3.7 Thermogravimetric Analysis ................................................................. 40 3.8 Fourier Transform Infra Red Spectroscopy ........................................... 40 3.9 Summary .............................................................................................. 41

CHAPTER 4: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION .................................................. 42 4.1 Introduction .......................................................................................... 42 4.2 Mechanical Properties ofCAC After Heat Exposure ............................. 42

4.2.1 Tensile Strength After Heat Exposure .......................................... 42 4.2.2 Impact Strength After Heat Exposure .......................................... 45

4.3 Mechanical Properties ofCAC After UV Radiation ............................. 48 4.3.1 Tensile Strength After UV Radiation Exposure ........................... 48 4.3.2 Impact Strength After UV Radiation Exposure ........................... 49

4.4 Mechanical Properties ofCAC After Water Immersion ........................ 51 4.4.1 Tensile Strength After Water Immersion ...................................... 51 4.4.2 Impact Strength After Water Immersion ...................................... 52

4.5 Scanning Electron Microscopy Examination ........................................ 55 4.5.1 SEM Images of Control Sample ................................................. 55 4.5.2 SEM Images After Heat Exposure .............................................. 57 4.5.3 SEM Images After UV Radiation Exposure ................................ 59 4.5.4 SEM Images After Water Immersion .......................................... 60 4.5.5 Morphology of Fracture Surfaces ............................................... 62

4.6 Fourier Transform Infra Red Spectroscopy ........................................... 67 4. 7 Thermogravimetry Analysis ................................................................. 73 4.8 Summary .............................................................................................. 76

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION .......................... 77 5.1 Conclusion ........................................................................................... 77 5.2 Recommendation .................................................................................. 78

BIBLIOGRAPHY ............................................................................................... 80

LIST OF PUBLICATIONS ................................................................................ 88

APPENDIX I ........................................................................................................ 89 APPENDIX 11 ....................................................................................................... 90 APPENDIX 111 ...................................................................................................... 91

ix

APPENDIX IV ...................................................................................................... 92 APPENDIX V ....................................................................................................... 93 APPENDIX VI. ..................................................................................................... 94 GLOSSARY ......................................................................................................... 95

X

Table No.

2.1

2.2

2.3

2.4

2.5

4.1

4.2

4.3

4.4

4.5

4.6

LIST OF TABLES

Advantages and disadvantages of natural fibers.

Raw cotton components.

Physical and mechanical properties of cotton.

List of biofibers and biomatrix used in natural composites which are total green composites.

Types of UV light and their wavelength.

Results of tensile strength of the CAC after heat exposure at temperature of 40°C, 60°C and 85°C.

Results of impact strength of the CAC after heat exposure at temperature of 40°C, 60°C and 80°C.

Results of tensile strength of the CAC after UV radiation exposure.

Results of impact strength of the CAC after UV radiation exposure.

Results of tensile strength of the CAC after water immersion.

Results of impact strength of the CAC after water immersion.

xi

Page No.

18

20

21

25

29

44

47

50

53

56

59

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure No. Page No.

1.1 Schematic flow chart of research methodology 9

3.1 Schematic flow chart of preparation of composites. 36

4.1 Tensile strenght after heat exposure. 43

4.2 Impact strenght after heat exposure. 45

4.3 Tensile strength after UV radiation exposure. 48

4.4 Impact strength after UV radiation exposure. 50

4.5 Tensile strength after water immersion. 51

4.6 Impact strength after water immersion. 53

4.7 SEM Images of(a) surface morphology at 300X 56 magnification (b) surface morphology at 500X magnification, (c) cross section morphology at lOOX and (d) cross section morphology at IOOOX.

4.8 SEM images of surface morphology of heated composite 58 at 200X magnification (a) 40 °C in 20 days, (b) 60 °C in 20 days, (c) 85 °C in 20 days, (d) 40 °C in 40 days, (e) 60 °C in 40 days, (f) 85 °C in 40 days.

4.9 SEM images of surface morphology of CAC after UV 60 radiation (a) in lOdays at 200 X magnifications and (b) in 40 days at 200X magnification.

4.10 SEM images of surface morphology at lOOX magnification 61 for (a) 3 hours water immersion (b) 7 hours water immersion.

4.11 SEM images of cross section area of CAC after 7 hours 62 water immersion at 1 OOX magnification.

xii

4.12 Fracture surfaces of tensile test of (a) control sample, 64 (b) heated CAC, (c) UV radiated CAC and (d) water immersed CAC.

4.13 Fracture surfaces of impact test of (a) control sample, 65 (b) heated CAC, (c) UV radiated CAC and (d) water immersed CAC.

4.14 SEM image of side view of the surface fracture of impact 66 test showing domination of fiber pull-out.

4.15 Chemical structure of amino acids and peptide bond. 67

4.16 Schematic drawing of cellulose molecule structures. 68

4.17 FTIR spectra shows comparison between CAC and the 69 individual spectra of raw materials.

4.18 FTIR spectra ofCAC's control sample and samples after 71 exposure to heat and UV radiation.

4.19 TG/DT A of beaten albumen. 73

4.20 TG/DT A of cotton fiber. 74

4.21 TG/DT A of cotton albumen composite. 75

xiii

ASTM

CAC

CH3COOH

DSC

e.g.

et al.

etc

FTIR

MC

NaOH

OH

RH

SEM

SG

TGA

XRD

OTA

HOPE

UV

PLA

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

American Society for Testing and Materials

Cotton/albumen composite

Acetic acid

Differential scanning calorimetry

For example

(et alia); and others

( et cetera); and so forth

Fourier transform infrared

Moisture content

Sodium hydroxide

Hydroxyl group

Relative humidity

Scanning electron microscope

Specific gravity

Thermogravimetry analysis

X-ray diffraction

Differential thermal analysis

High density Polyethylene

Ultraviolet

Polylactic Acid

xiv

LIST OF SYMBOLS

% Percentage

p Density of fluid or substance (kg/m3)

p H20 Density of water (kg/m3)

cr Tensile strength (MPa)

p Maximum load prior to failure (N)

A Average cross-sectional area (m2)

Td Denaturation temperature

xv

1.1 BACKGROUND

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

The new bio-based composites have been developed recently as a result of the

increasing demand for environmentally friendly materials and the desire to reduce the

cost of typical fiber (i.e. carbon, glass, and aramid fiber). Natural fibers exhibit many

advantageous properties as the reinforcement for composites. They are a low density

material; yielding relatively lightweight composites with high specific properties.

Natural fibers also offer significant cost advantages, a highly renewable resource and

give benefits associated with processing as compared to synthetics fibers (Bhat et al.,

2004).

Development of such materials has not only been a great motivating factor for

materials scientists, but also opportunities to improve the standard of living of people

around the world. Biodegradable type of composites is not new to mankind. Their use

dates back to 200 B.C. with the straw reinforced bricks used for watchtowers of the

Great Wall of China. Since then, composite materials have gone through significant

developments in terms of use of different raw materials, processes and even

application. However, due to the low cost of petroleum-based polymers during the

1940s to 80s, their utilizations have decreased.

The performance of biocomposites depends on the properties of the natural

fibers used in them. However, using natural fibers in building materials has also some

disadvantages such as low modulus of elasticity, high moisture absorption,

decomposition in alkaline environments or in biological attack, and variability in

mechanical and physical properties. To understand these problems, it is necessary to

study fibers precisely. Generally, cell wall polymers and their matrices are the reason

for chemical and physical properties of natural fibers. For instance, dimensional

stability, flammability, biodegradability, and degradation are attributed to acids and

bases and ultraviolet (UV) radiation that alter the biocomposites back into their basic

building blocks (carbon dioxide and water). However, the properties of natural fibers

that result from chemistry of the cell wall components make some problems in

biocomposites (Mahsa, 2006).

There has been increased attention paid to the use of natural polymers and

lignocellulosic fibers in the nineties. The reasons for this are because of the awareness

to eco-friendliness, finite petroleum resources, availability of research data on the

properties and morphologies of natural materials. In fact, increasing of the

understanding on correlations between structures and properties of new materials

such as biodegradable composites seems to be greater driving force to the researches

and applications of the new composites.

The growing interest in biofibers or lignocellulosic fibers is mainly due to

their economical productions with few requirements for equipment and low specific

weight, which results in a higher specific strength and stiffuess when compared to

glass reinforced composites. They also present safer handling and working conditions

compared to synthetic reinforcements. Biofibers are nonabrasive to mixing and

molding equipment, which can contribute to significant production cost reductions.

The most interesting aspect about natural fibers is their positive environmental

impact. Biofibers are a renewable resource with production requiring little energy.

They are carbon dioxide neutral which they do not return excess carbon dioxide into

the atmosphere when they are composted or combusted. The processing atmosphere

is friendly with better working conditions and therefore there will be reduced dermal

2

and respiratory irritation. Biofibers also possess high electrical resistance and thermal

recycling property. The hollow cellular structure provides good acoustic insulating

· properties. The worldwide availability is an additional factor (John, 2008).

According to Mohanty et al. (2005), the efforts to produce materials from

renewable resources actively began in the early 20th century. Nevertheless, the

tremendous success and growth of the petrochemical industry in the 20th century

slowed the growth of bio-based products. Increase in environmental awareness over

the last couple of decades has resulted in a renewed interest in natural materials.

Issues such as sustainability, recyclability and environmental safety are becoming

increasingly important. This has necessitated the introduction of new materials and

• ·products based on natural materials. It is estimated that about two-thirds of $1.5

trillion world chemical industry can be based on renewable resources (Mohanty et al.,

2005). Environmental legislation and consumer pressure are forcing manufacturers of

materials and end-products to consider the environmental effects of their products at

all stages of their life cycle. This has resulted in a 'cradle-to-grave' approach, which

encompasses recycling and ultimate disposal in the production process (Peijs, 2002).

Environmental pollution, sustainability of natural resources, recycling,

greenhouse gases, rising of petroleum price and global climate change are all vital

issues that interests most of the government and people around the world. These

issues have contributed not only to world climate change, moreover it also changes

the socio economic growth world wide (Stern, 2006).

According to the Technical Workshop on Economics of Climate Change in

Malaysia, on 3th to 4th August 2010 in Putrajaya Malaysia, an issue on Policy Study

on Climate Change has been presented by Ministry of Natural Resources and

Environment, Malaysian Government and Institute for Environment and

3

Development (LEST ARI), UKM. This Policy Study on Climate Change has been

included in the budget of Ninth Malaysia Plan (RMK-9). Malaysian government

aware the importance of increasing public awareness and participation in behavioral

responses to climate change, strengthening environmental conservation and

sustainability of natural resources, developing safe renewable energy and enhancing

low carbon economy. Therefore, an alternative to petroleum is a serious discussed

matter nowadays. Development of biocomposites materials is part of the efforts in

reducing consumption of petroleum-based products (Ministry of Natural Resources

and Environment, 2010).

However each development brings its own challenges. The economic success

of these biomaterials is not obvious at present. Taking all factors into account, the

evidence points towards a promising future of these materials, and hence the need of

ample investment and research to explore their potential to replace conventional

materials.

1.2 ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS ON COMPOSITE

In view of the fact that biocomposite material is easily decomposed, it is necessary to

study the effect of temperature, water and UV radiation on the cotton albumen

composite (CAC) to find out the changes in properties of the material. The effects of

environmental factors exposure towards biocomposites and the long-term

preservation of properties are significant concerns for such applications, where the

service life can span several decades. To design for such service life requires the

ability to forecast changes in material properties in a function of environmental

factors exposure such as temperature, moisture, radiation, aggressive chemicals or

4

combinations of these factors. The environmental factors can affect the mechanical

and physical properties of composites.

Many composite materials are seen as being quite resistant to external

environments, especially when compared to corrosion properties of ferrous metals.

However many chemical and physical processes can combine to result in accelerated

failure in composite materials.

Some examples of composite material encountering different environmental

conditions are: fibreglass boats exposed to sea water, ultraviolet radiation, sunlight

and repetitive wave forces; aircraft parts exposed to fuels, paint strippers, hydraulic

fluids, brake fluids and runway de-icers; storage tanks; sewage pipes; and chemical

plants' components (Pritchard, 2000).

Reactive environments include all reactive substances, whether synthetic or

natural, such as water, oxygen, bleach, petrol, lubricants, detergents, cleaning

solvents, acids, alkalis, etching and oxidizing agents, and even gases. High or

fluctuating temperatures also cause deterioration of properties of composite materials.

The whole spectrum of radiation should also be considered, like ultraviolet, infrared,

X-rays, and gamma rays (Pritchard, 2000).

When the durability, sustainability and reliability of the composite towards

environmental factors are well-known, those will be used as future references for

researchers to improve the properties of the composite.

5

1.3 PROBLEM STATEMENT AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE

Research on the production of composite from natural fiber and renewable raw

materials is ignited from the environmental awareness to safely dispose any materials

without polluting the environment. Thus the research on fabricating biocomposites

has widely grown. Nevertheless, the biodegradation of the biocomposite has raised

new concern towards this agenda and resulting on the need to study the

environmental effects on biocomposites. This project will focus on studying the

environmental effects on cotton albumen composite (CAC). Since this material is

easily decomposed, it is necessary to study the environmental effects such as

temperature, water and UV radiation on CAC to find out the changes in properties of

·-the material. This is to investigate the strength of this composite to withstand and

uphold the effect of temperature, water and UV radiation in order to give an idea on

the resistance, durability, sustainability and reliability of the composite during

application at indoors or outdoors.

The effects of environmental factors exposure towards biocomposites and the

long-term preservation of properties are significant concerns for such applications,

where the service life can span several decades. To design for such service life

requires the ability to forecast changes in material properties in a function of

environmental factors exposure such as temperature, moisture, radiation, aggressive

chemicals or combinations of these factors. The environmental factors can affect the

mechanical and physical properties of composites. The information on sustainability,

reliability and durability of the composite towards environmental factors is important

as it will benefit in improving and strengthening the properties of the composites for

future research and development.

6

1.4 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

The main objective for this research is to find out the effect of heat, water absorption

and UV radiation on the fabricated cotton albumen composites. Several samples are

exposed to three different condition exposures which are heat, water and UV

radiation. In order to achieve the main objective, several specific objectives need to

be addressed as:

1. To fabricate green biodegradable cotton albumen composite (CAC)

using cotton as the biofiber and egg-albumen as the biomatrix.

2. To investigate the physical and mechanical properties of cotton albumen

composite (CAC) after exposure to various environmental conditions

such as heat, water and ultra violet radiation at varied exposure time.

3. To examine the morphology structure of CAC by scanning electron

microscopy (SEM), thermal degradation by thermogravimetry analysis

(TGA) and functional group composition by Fourier transform-infra red

(FTIR) spectroscopy after various environmental effects such as heat,

UV radiation and water.

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1.5 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The research methodology covers organised work flows as shown in Figure 1.1 to

achieve the main objectives of this research as outlined follows:

1. Fabricating the cotton albumen composite (CAC) by using cotton fiber as

reinforcement and albumen as matrix through hand lay-up technique. The

curing process is allowed in 14 days at room temperature.

2. Exposing CACs to oven heating at 40°C, 60°C and 85°C from 3 days up to

40 days to study the heating effect on CAC.

3. Exposing CACs to UV radiation in UV box from 3 days up to 40 days to

study the UV radiation effect on CAC.

4. Immersing CACs samples in the water bath at room temperature from half an

hour up to 7 hours to study the water effect on CAC.

5. Evaluating the physical and mechanical properties of CACs after exposure to

three different environmental conditions to examine the properties after

environmental exposures. Tensile strength and impact strength were

investigated to evaluate the mechanical properties after heat, UV radiation

and water exposure. The machines used were universal mechanical testing

machine and the impact tester machine.

6. Analyzing the microstructure observed by using SEM, which justify

microstructure images after environmental condition exposures.

7. Analyzing the functional group composition by FTIR spectroscopy, which

justify any changes in functional group composition after environmental

conditions exposure.

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Heating CAC in oven

Fabricating Cotton Albumen Composite (CAC) by Hands-lay up technique

Curing CAC for 14 days

Radiating CAC in ultra violet box

Evaluating physical and mechanical properties of CAC

analyzing microstructure and functional group of CAC

Immersing CAC in water

Figure I.I: Schematic flow chart ofresearch methodology.

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