Tensile Properties, Swelling Behavior, and Morphology Analysis of Recycled High Density Polyethylene / Natural Rubber / Chicken Feather Fibers (R-HDPE / NR / CFF) Composites: The Effects of Caprolactam

Abstract

The effect of caprolactam as a coupling agent on the tensile properties, swelling behavior and morphology analysis of recycled high density polyethylene/ natural rubber/ chicken feather fiber (R-HDPE/ NR/ CFF) composites was studied. The R-HDPE/NR/CFF composites with and without caprolactam were prepared using Brabender Plasticorder at 160°C and rotor speed of 50 rpm. The results indicated that R-HDPE/NR/CFF with caprolactam showed higher value of tensile strength but lower elongation at break and mass swell percentage than R-HDPE/NR/CFF composites. SEM morphology showed that the addition of caprolactam improved the fiber matrix-interfacial adhesion and good dispersion of the fiber in the R-HDPE/NR blends.