Effects of sugarcane bagasse fibers on the mechanical behaviour of high density polyethylene
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-1-2021
Abstract
The effect of sugarcane bagasse fibers (10, 20, 30, 40%) on the mechanical behaviour of high density polyethylene (HDPE) was investigated. The sugarcane bagasse fibers were alkali-treated in 5% of sodium hydroxide solution, before compounded with HDPE matrix via hot pressing technique. The bagasse/HDPE composites were appraised to determine the tensile strength, flexural modulus, hardness and percentage elongation. The results showed a decreased in the tensile strength and elasticity with the addition of bagasse fiber in HDPE. The morphology of the composites showed clustering of the fibers in the polymer matrix and to some degree, weak adhesion between bagasse fibers and HDPE matrix was evident. The study revealed that 20% and 30% of bagasse/HDPE exhibited improved hardness (106 HRR) and flexural modulus (2.6 GPa) when compared to fiber-free HDPE matrix.
Keywords
Polymer composite, Sugarcane bagasse fiber, Tensile properties
Divisions
fac_eng
Funders
None
Publication Title
Journal of Engineering Science and Technology
Volume
16
Issue
5
Publisher
Taylors Univ Sdn Bhd