Solvent transport phenomenon of cellulose microfiber (CMF) reinforced poly (ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (EVA) composites

Composite films based on EVA with CMF were prepared and characterized for their solvent transport nature. CMF were derived from Hibiscus sabdariffa by steam explosion technique and incorporated in the EVA matrix by extrusion. Solvent transport by the composites was analyzed using hexane, heptane and octane as penetrant molecules. The solvent uptake behavior of EVA/CMF composites is explained on the basis of the penetrant size, temperature and the filler loading. The composite had improved barrier property compared with unfilled EVA. This in turn is an indication of good fiber-matrix interaction in the composite system. Diffusion parameters such as diffusion coefficient, permeation coefficient and Arrhenius activation parameters and thermodynamic parameters such as enthalpy and entropy were evaluated in detail. The mode of transport was found to be Fickian.