Influence of fungal decay on durability and hardness strength characteristics of bagasse/PP composite

Abstract

In this study the effect of white and brown-rot fungi on durability and hardness characteristics of Bagasse/Polypropylene composite was evaluated. The test specimens were prepared using Bagasse fibers (38%), Polypropylene (60%), and maleic anhydride (2%) according to respective standard and by hot press method. Then specimens were exposed to white (Coriolus versicolor) and brown-rot (Coniophora puteana) fungi according to BS 838:1961 standard and Kollescale method at 8, 12 and 16 weeks. After that, superficial damage, weight loss, and hardness strength of samples were determined. The results showed that superficial damage of brown-rot fungus was lower than white-rot fungus. The weight loss of white-rotted samples were significantly (P

Keywords

• Fungal decay
• WEIGHT LOSS
• hardness strength
• bagasse fibers/polypropylene composite
• HOT PRESS