Effect of Fungi Removal Method on the Mechanical Properties of Polymer Composites Reinforced with Oat and Millet Husks

Abstract

Polymer composites reinforced with crop husks show susceptibility to fungi of the Agaricomycotina subdivision, particularly Coniophora puteana. The material’s resistance to the fungi is evaluated by exposing specimens to the fungus for 16 weeks, and then determining the mass loss and changes in mechanical properties. An important pre-testing step is cleaning the samples of mycelium. The study compares the effects of the manual cleaning method with a soft brush and with water under pressure. The aim of the study is to select a method that is non-destructive to the material. The results will be evaluated by mass loss, bending strength and modulus of elasticity.

Keywords

• polymer composites
• husks
• oat
• millet
• fungi
• mycelium removal