| Cellulose-based material absorbs or releases moisture in relation to atmospheric conditions. This research looks to minimize dimensional change with the use of low molecular weight (LMW) monomers polymerized by electron beam (EB) ionizing radiation. Sisal, jute, coir, and hemp natural fibers with average natural swelling of 26.55%, 29.46%, 9.06%, and 32.69%, respectively, and glass fiber as control were used for analysis. Three LMW bulk monomers, hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA), hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), and polyethylene glycol diacrylate (EGDA), as well as an encapsulating agent, isodecyl acrylate, and cross-linker, ethoxylated trimethylolpropane triacrylate, were evaluated for resin formulation. In total, 1015 specimens were measured for swelling. Moisture uptake characteristics of the specimens were analyzed. A new method of measuring specimen dimensional changes by a light microscope and image analysis software was used. Results indicate dimensional stability improvement of 39.34% - 91.46% for hemp with HEA and cross-linker, and sisal with HEMA and cross-linker respectively. |
