Physical and mechanical properties of polyvinylidene fluoride - Short sugar palm fiber nanocomposites

The characterization of natural fiber composites has become of paramount importance. The aim of this work is to prepare, produce, and investigate the mechanical, nanomechanical, and physical properties of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) reinforced with short sugar palm fiber (SSPF) composites. Preparation involves successive phases: a melt-mixing approach and a hot/cold compression molding procedure. The mechanical test examines the flexural and tensile strengths. This work introduces nanomechanical testing through the quasistatic nanoindentation to measure the hardness, fracture toughness, stiffness, and Young's modulus. Physical properties are analyzed by measuring the composites' density, water absorption, moisture content, and thickness swelling. Mechanical properties displayed good flexural and tensile enhancements. The use of short fiber led to adequate interfacial bonding between the fiber and matrix. Composites exhibited high compatibility, strength, and a homogenous structure in the fiber-matrix. Nanomechanical test displayed a dynamic modulus mapping on the fiber. The scan line analysis and in-situ scanning probe microscopy (SPM) imaging presented improved hardness, Young's modulus, stiffness, and fracture phenomena. The composites exhibited outstanding physical properties and excellent resistance to water absorption, moisture content, and thickness swelling. The novel findings provide insight on how biocomposite materials can be utilized in various engineering applications. This signifies their high competency and applicability for green production. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.