Effects of Kenaf Loading on Processability and Properties of Linear Low-Density Polyethylene/Poly (Vinyl Alcohol)/Kenaf Composites

Abstract

aThis study was conducted to evaluate the possibility of utilizing kenaf (KNF) in LLDPE/PVOH to develop a new thermoplastic composite. The effect of KNF loading on the processability and mechanical, thermal and water absorption properties of linear low-density polyethylene/poly (vinyl alcohol)/kenaf (LLDPE/PVOH/KNF) composites were investigated. Composites with different KNF loadings (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 phr) were prepared using a Thermo Haake Polydrive internal mixer at a temperature of 150 °C and rotor speed of 50 rpm for 10 min. The results indicate that the stabilization torque, tensile modulus, water uptake, and thermal stability increased, while tensile strength and elongation at break decreased with increasing filler loading. The tensile fractured surfaces observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) supported the deterioration in tensile properties of the LLDPE/PVOH/KNF composites with increasing KNF loading.

Tensile Properties, Water Resistance, and Thermal Properties of Linear Low-Density Polyethylene/Polyvinyl Alcohol/Kenaf Composites: Effect of 3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyl Methacrylate (TMS) as a Silane Coupling Agent

“…The stabilization torque is the equilibrium torque value that was recorded at the end of the mixing, i.e., at the end of 10 min. The stabilization torque increased for both composites as the KNF loading increased, which suggested that the processing of the composites is easier at lower KNF loadings (Pang et al 2015). However, at similar KNF loadings, composites with TMS exhibited higher stabilization torque values compared with the control composites.…”

“…16). The three steps of thermal degradation involved: i) evaporation of absorbed moisture on the surface of the composites at 100 °C (Pang et al 2015), ii) decomposition of hemicelluloses, cellulose, and lignin at 200 to 400 °C (Fisher et al 2002;Chun et al 2013), and iii) decomposition of the LLDPE/PVA matrix at 450 to 550 °C. Table 2 shows the TGA parameters of control and TMS-treated LLDPE/PVA/KNF composites.…”

Physical, Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Sugar Palm Yarn Fibre Loading on Reinforced Unsaturated Polyester Composite

“…Therefore, the thermal stability of the composites increases with the sugar palm loading increase. 45 …”

“…The presence of the sugar palm yarn restricts the unsaturated polyester matrix from moving freely, thereby increasing the rigidity of the composite. 45 The elongation at break of sugar palm fibre yarn reinforced unsaturated polyester composites with different fibre loadings are also affected. The elongation at break for composites at 50 wt% is the highest as compared to 10, 20, 30 and 40 wt% of fibre loadings.…”

Linear Low Density Polyethylene/Poly (Vinyl Alcohol)/Kenaf Composites: Effect of Natural Weathering on Functional Group, Weight Loss Characteristics, Tensile, Morphological and Thermal Properties

“…Natural fibers such as kenaf (KNF), wood, jute, hemp and bagasse have become an ideal choice as biodegradable materials to blend with thermoplastics and utilized in different applications (Balaji et al 2014;Husseinsyah et al 2016;Pang et al 2015). KNF based polymer composites are being increasingly used in automotive parts such as car door panels, seat back board and door trim due to their light weight, low cost and environmental friendly (Kamal et al 2014;Pai & Jagtap 2015).…”