Investigation of heat conductivity and sound absorption properties of corn stalk reinforced thermoplastic composites

By using lignocellulosic fibres as reinforcement material for the production of composite materials, it is thought to be shortened the biodegration life of the synthetic polymers. Cellulosic fibres are preferred as reinforcement material for composite materials due to their renewable and eco-friendly structure. In this study, corn stalks were used as cellulosic reinforcement material. At first, corn stalks were treated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and laccase enzyme to remove lignin, pectin and wax from the fibre. Surface treatments were performed by using mostly used conventional method and eco-friendly microwave and ultrasonic energy methods. By using surface treated corn stalks as reinforcement material, polyethylene matrix thermoplastic composite structures were produced. Heat conductivity and sound absorption properties of the produced composites were investigated.