Preparation and properties of HDPE composites reinforced with treated bagasse fiber

Abstract

Composites of baggase fiber and High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) were investigated. The increases in filler loading have increased the value of tensile strength, flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, flexural strength and flexural modulus but were reduced the elongation at break. The result indicated that the presence of maleic anhydrate grafted PE (MAPE), the elongation at break, modulus of elasticity and flexural modulus are increased but the tensile strength and flexural strength show the decreasing. The water absorption studies reveal that the addition of MAPE into the composites resulted in the HDPE/bagasse fiber composites with coupling agent is better water absorption resistance compared to the HDPE/bagasse fiber composites without coupling agent. The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) micrograph of the fractured tensile surface shows the HDPE/bagasse fiber composites with coupling agent have smooth fracture surface and showed the mode changes from ductile to brittle failure. This result indicated that the presence of MAPE as a compatibilizer agent can improve the properties of the HDPE/bagasse fiber composites.