Abstract
In this work, composite samples were prepared using Borassus fibers and a high-density polyethylene matrix. Alternatively, a chemically modified matrix (maleic anhydride grafted HDPE) was also used to improve fiber-matrix compatibility. The effect of fiber loading on the mechanical properties was investigated. Borassus fiber/modified HDPE composites exhibited improved mechanical performance as compared to pure HDPE composites. SEM studies on the fractured specimens of unmodified HDPE fiber composites reveal the poor fiber-matrix interaction, whereas the interaction is strong with enhanced mechanical properties for modified HDPE fiber composites. This is due to an improvement of the chemical bonding between the modified HDPE matrix and the Borassus fiber as also supported by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results. Thermal stability was also found to be enhanced slightly for modified HDPE composites. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 439-450 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | International Journal of Polymer Analysis and Characterization |
Volume | 18 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2013 |
Externally published | Yes |
Bibliographical note
cited By 4Keywords
- Chemical bondings
- Chemically modified
- Comparative studies
- Composite samples
- Fiber composite
- Fiber-matrix interaction
- FT-IR
- Mechanical performance, Composite materials
- Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
- High density polyethylenes
- Loading
- Mechanical properties
- Scanning electron microscopy
- Thermodynamic stability, Fibers, Borassus
- Composites
- Fibers
- Mechanical Properties
- Polyethylene
- Scanning Electron Microscopy
- Thermal Stability