Characterization and properties of HDPE/NBR/PPF composite with/without ᵞ - APS coupilng agent

Abstract

The effect of γ-Aminopropyltriethoxy Silane (APS) as coupling agent on the properties of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)/ Acrylonitrile-Butadiene Rubber (NBR)/ Palm Pressed Fibre (PPF) composite were studied. The High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) was supplied by LOTTE CHEMICAL TITAN (M) Sdn. Bhd. Acrylonitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) were provided by Zarm Scientific & Supplier Sdn. Bhd. Palm Pressed Fibre (PPF) was supplied by Norstar Palm Oil Mill Sdn. Bhd. The composites were melt mixed using heated two roll mill at 180oC and speed of 15rpm with six different loading (100/0/10, 80/20/10, 70/30/10, 60/40/10, 50/50/10, and 40/60/10). A pulverized machine model RT-34 from Rong Tsong Precision Technology Co and sieve from Endocotts siever were utilized to obtain a particle size of 150 μm of PPF. Which is dried under the hot sun for 24 hours and then put into the oven with temperature 60oC for 24 hours to remove moisture. For treated sample, PPF powder was soaked with 20% ethanol and 80% water and stir for 1 hour at hot plate with temperature 400C, and later filtered and mixed properly with 3% of γ-APS coupling agent. The effects of γ-APS on mechanical, morphological properties and chemical interaction were investigated. The results showed that the treatment of γ-APS coupling agent has improved the tensile properties, thermal and chemical properties of the composites compared with untreated composites. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study of tensile fracture of the composites indicates improved adhesion of PPF filler with HDPE/NBR matrices in the presence of γ-APS coupling agent.