A comparative study on the mechanical and degradation properties of plant fibers reinforced polyethylene composites

Abstract

Coir and abaca fiber‐reinforced linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) composites (30 wt% fiber) were prepared by compression molding. Coir and abaca fibers were treated with methyl methacrylate (MMA) using ultraviolet radiation to improve the mechanical properties of the composites. Concentration of MMA and radiation dose was optimized. It was found that 30% MMA in methanol along with photoinitiator Darocur‐1173 (2%) and 15th pass of radiation rendered better performance. Chemically treated fiber‐reinforced specimens yielded better mechanical properties compared to the untreated composites, whereas coir fiber composites had better mechanical properties than abaca fiber reinforced ones. For the improvement of the properties, optimized coir (coir fiber treated with 30% MMA) and abaca (abaca fiber treated with 40% MMA) fibers were again treated with aqueous starch solution (2%–8%, w/w) for 2–7 min. Composites made of 3%‐starch‐treated coir fiber (5 min soaking time) showed the best mechanical properties than that of abaca‐fiber‐based composites. Water uptake and soil degradation tests of the composites were also performed. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers

In-soil degradation of polymer materials waste – A survey of different approaches in relation with environmental impact

“…Water uptake and soil degradation tests of the coir and abaca fiber-reinforced linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) composites (30 wt% fiber) were performed in soil, at ambient conditions, for up to 60 days (Zaman et al 2011). Simultaneously, 3% starch treated coir fiber/LLDPE composite (SC), and 5% starch treated abaca fiber/LLDPE composite (SA) samples (about 60 mm in length) were subjected to biodegradation under the same conditions.…”

The Physicomechanical and Interfacial Properties of the Vetiveria Zizanioides Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites

“…Using natural fibers rather than synthetic fibers to reinforce composite materials has received considerable attention in scientific research on new materials [1,2]. The use of cellulose fibers (CFs) and agro-residues for strengthening in different thermoplastic and thermoset resins is currently the focus of research because of their high strength, hardness, and low concentration of weight ratio [3,4]. Natural fiber composites are now extensively used in various fields, including civil construction, machinery construction, electrical and electronic apparatus, automobile industrial factory, aircraft manufacturing, and much more [5][6][7].…”

New biodegradable composites from starch and fibers of the babassu coconut

“…Besides, natural fibers are hygroscopic and contain waxes in their composition that can hinder adhesion with TPS. Therefore, modifying the starch, using a plasticizer, and pre-treating the fibers with a chemical agent can result in composites with modified mechanical properties [21] . Several studies report the effects of lignocellulosic fibers on starch films from different sources, such as rice [22] , cassava [23] , peas [24] and corn [25] .…”