Publication: Preparation and properties of high density polyethylene-kenaf fiber-wood flour hybrid composites
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Date
2009-05-01
Authors
Abu Bakar, Zati Iwani
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Abstract
The moisture absorption of recycled high density polyethylene (RHDPE) composites containing two types of different filler which were kenaf core filler (KCF) and wood flour (WF) have been studied by immersing the composite in room temperature. The filler content were varying to 50 % by weight for both filler. During compounding, 5% maleated polyethylene is added to the composite as the compatibilizing agent. Composite of recycled high density polyethylene and kenaf core filler/meranti wood flour were prepared by using twin screw extruder and compression molding technique is used to produce sample. The test specimen was cut out from compression molded sheets by using dumbell cutter. The mechanical properties of the composite such as tensile test, Izod impact test and flexural test using three point bending configuration also have been studied. The incorporation of filler bring the significant effect in increasing the tensile and flexural modulus. The tensile strength is slightly increased due to incorporation of filler. However, the elongation at break and impact strength is significantly reduced. The incorporation of 5 wt % of maleated polyethylene (MAPE) had improve the interaction and adhesion between the non polar matrix and the polar natural fibers thus increased the mechanical properties and gave resistance to water absorption. But for the composite that have been immersed in water, there is some significant loss in mechanical properties of the water saturated samples compared to the control samples. The morphology change of the composite is monitored by using scanning electron microscope before and after immersion into the water.