Fig. 10 depicts the experimental and theoretical values of water
uptake of the biocomposites. It is obvious that the actual water
uptake (experimental value) by the biocomposite is significantly
higher compared to the theoretical value. The marked increased in
water uptake can be attributed to the higher surface area of CTSFig. 10 depicts the experimental and theoretical values of water
uptake of the biocomposites. It is obvious that the actual water
uptake (experimental value) by the biocomposite is significantly
higher compared to the theoretical value. The marked increased in
water uptake can be attributed to the higher surface area of CTS
dispersed in the ENR matrix and voids (Fig. 1c) which acted as
diffusion sites for the water molecules to penetrate and completely
swell the acidified CTS. In the absence of voids, as in the case of
biocomposites prepared via melt blending [23], comparatively
much lower water uptake was observed.