Low and High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Glycol as A Treating and Coupling Agent in High Density Polyethylene/Date Palm Tree Fiber Composites

Abstract

nical properties and water absorption (WA) behavior of high density polyethylene/date palm tree fiber (HDPE/DPTF) composites were investigated. Two different parts of the date palm tree (mesh and leaflets) were used. The focus was on studding the combination effect of using both low and/or high molecular weight polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a treatment and coupling agent, respectively on shore D hardness, impact strength and water absorption behavior of the composites. Morphological properties of the prepared composites were also investigated. Results showed that treating the fibers with low molecular weight PEG had a significant effect, which resulted in composites with better shore D hardness and impact strength compared to pure HDPE and composites made with untreated fibers.  Furthermore, the use of high molecular weight PEG as a coupling agent resulted in better impact strength and shore D hardness, indicating the presence of a strong interaction between the fibers and the HDPE matrix. Morphological observations of composites made with untreated fibers by scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed the formation of some fiber aggregation, fiber debonding and fiber pullout in composites made with untreated fibers. Contrary, the composites made with PEG as a treatment and/or coupling agent showed no fiber aggregation or fiber debonding.