Biobased Epoxy Composites Reinforced with Acetylated Corn Straw

Corn straw/epoxy resin composites (CS/ECs) and maleic anhydride acetylated CS/ECs (MA-CS/ECs) were prepared through dry mixing and high-temperature curing. Corn straw is a kind of abundant, eco-friendly, and low-cost biomass material. Unmodified and modified corn straws were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectros-copy (XPS). The interfacial affinity of the composite was testified by the contact angle. The results of XPS and SEM demonstrated that maleic anhydride had been successfully bonded onto the structure of corn straw. Corn straw particle-reinforced epoxy resin composites were prepared using a casting and molding process. Results showed that the MA-CS/EC had better impact and flexural resistance than the unmodified corn straw/epoxy resin composites when the corn straw addition was 15 wt %. The result of the contact angle showed that the interfacial compatibility between composites is also stronger than that of CS/EC.

Automated summary

Corn straw/epoxy resin composites (CS/ECs) and maleic anhydride acetylated CS/ECs (MA-CS/ECs) were prepared and characterized. The interfacial affinity of the composites was confirmed by the contact angle. The results demonstrated the successful bonding of maleic anhydride onto the structure of corn straw. The MA-CS/ECs showed better impact and flexural resistance, and stronger interfacial compatibility than CS/ECs.