Abubakar Umar Birnin-Yauri

Mr. Abubakar Umar Birnin-Yauri


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

10Years (2017-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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5 May 2017 in Polymers
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ABAbubakar Umar Birnin-Yauri
Abubakar Umar Birnin-Yauri
NINor Azowa Ibrahim
Nor Azowa Ibrahim
NZNorhazlin Zainuddin
Norhazlin Zainuddin
Khalina AbdanKhalina Abdan
Khalina Abdan
Yoon Yee ThenYoon Yee Then
Yoon Yee Then
BCBuong Woei Chieng
Buong Woei Chieng
This work investigated the effect of maleic anhydride (MA)-modified poly(lactic acid) (PLA), which is melt-blended with different untreated and aqueous borax (BR)-treated hybrid oil palm empty fruit bunch fibers (EFBF)/Kenaf core fibers (KCF), and compression-molded into corresponding hybrid biocomposites. These hybrid systems includes BR-treated EFBF/BR-treated KCF reinforced MA-modified PLA i.e., BR(EFBF-KCF)-MAPLA, BR-treated EFBF/BR-treated KCF reinforced unmodified PLA i.e., BR(EFBF-KCF)-PLA, untreated EFBF/untreated KCF reinforced MA-modified PLA i.e., EFBF-KCF-MAPLA, and untreated EFBF/untreated KCF reinforced unmodified PLA i.e., EFBF-KCF-PLA respectively. Characterizations of the hybrid systems revealed that optimal mechanical, physical, morphological, thermal and dynamic mechanical properties were provided by the BR(EFBF-KCF)-MAPLA, resulting from improved interface adhesion, consequent of the synergistic influence of BR treatment of natural fibers, and the compatibilization effect provided by the MA-modified PLA. The grafting degree and efficiency of MA onto the PLA backbone was appreciable, as indicated by direct titration, and through monitoring using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR); thus the MA-modified PLA facilitated the formation of strong interface adhesion with the BR-treated hybrid fibers. The BR(EFBF-KCF)-MAPLA showed promising properties for usage as a bio-inspired, and sustainable alternative fiberboard article.