Preparation and properties of kenaf dust-filled chitosan biocomposites

Kenaf dust filled chitosan biocomposites have been prepared using a solution blending method. Diluted acetic acid was used as medium to dissolve the chitosan powder. Kenaf dust particles were dispersed in the chitosan solution using a high speed homogenizer. Chitosan biocomposites with five different compositions of kenaf loading (w/w) were prepared. The biocomposites were evaluated in terms of mechanical, chemical and micro-structural properties. The maximum tensile strength, tensile strain and toughness values were obtained from biocomposites containing 28% of kenaf dust, while pure chitosan film exhibit the lowest value as expected. Morphological study on the tensile fracture surface of the biocomposites under FESEM showed the interconnected structure of chitosan matrix with fine distribution of kenaf dust. From the FT-AR spectrum, the finger print peak of chitosan was detected (3233 cm(-1)) as well as the increasing in intensity of typical functional groups (aldehyde, primary amine and ammonium ions), indicating a strong interaction between kenaf dust and chitosan matrix.