The effect of sugarcane bagasse fiber on the properties of recycled high density polyethylene

Abstract

Recycled high density polyethylene/sugarcane bagasse fiber composites were prepared by melt mixing using a two-roll mill and compression molding. The effects of the sugarcane bagasse fibers content and the addition of compatibilizing agent maleated polyethylene on the composite properties were studied. The scanning electron micrographs of the compatibilized composites showed clear evidence of good interfacial adhesion between the fiber surface and the polymer matrix. The tensile tests revealed that the compatibilized composites provide better tensile strength and modules than the uncompatibilized composites. The elongation at break and the impact strength for all the composites decreased significantly compared to the recycled high density polyethylene. The composites had the same melting temperature and were thermally less stable than that of the recycled high density polyethylene. The presence of maleated polyethylene was found to decrease the water absorption and slightly increase the specific gravity of the composites.