Effect of microstructural changes on thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties of HDPE reinforced by sisal fibers

Abstract

Chemically modified sisal fibers are used to reinforce high-density polyethylene to seek applications in electrical appliances and car industry requiring light composite materials with superior mechanical and dielectric properties. Conventional methods of chemical modification using sodium hydroxide are used together with new modifications using benzoyl chloride and benzoyl peroxide in order to improve the compatibility between the hydrophilic fiber surface and the hydrophobic polymer matrix. Mechanical properties have been improved by more than 50%, and improved thermal and electrical properties are achieved using the resulting microcomposite material. The resulting microcomposite can accordingly find its way in electrical appliances and in the car industry replacing metallic parts especially those requiring high dielectric constant and superior mechanical properties.