Exploration on compatibilizing effect of nonionic, anionic, and cationic surfactants on mechanical, morphological, and chemical properties of high-density polyethylene/low-density polyethylene/cellulose biocomposites

Abstract

Three types of surfactants, specifically cationic, anionic, and nonionic, at different weight percentages were added into high-density polyethylene/low-density polyethylene/cellulose (HDPE/LDPE/cellulose) biocomposites via melt mixing. The cationic and anionic surfactants which are hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (HTAB) and sodium stearate (SS), respectively, were added from 4 to 20 wt%, whereas the nonionic surfactant which is sorbitan monostearate (SM) was added from 1 to 5 wt%. The mechanical testing results exhibited that the addition of HTAB increased tensile strength and tensile modulus, while SS deteriorated mechanical properties, while SM increased impact strength and tensile extension of the biocomposites. Based on the mechanical properties results, optimum weight percentages of HTAB and SM were 12 wt% and 4 wt%, respectively. The scanning electron microscopic micrographs displayed that the amount of cellulose fillers pullout decreased with the addition of HTAB, followed by SM, but it increased with SS. Fourier transform infrared spectra, X-ray diffractometer patterns, thermogravimetric analysis results, and differential scanning calorimetry thermograms have confirmed the presence of physical interactions only with the addition of HTAB and SM. Based on the results, compatibilizing effect was found in HTAB, whereas SM has not showed compatibilizing effect but instead plasticizing effect. However, neither compatibilizing nor plasticizing effect was exhibited by SS.

Effect of [C2mim][OTf] Ionic Liquid on Tensile Properties of HDPE/KCF Biocomposites: A Primary Research

“…The mixed biocomposites obtained from the internal mixer were converted into a 1mm sheet via the compression molding technique by using a hydraulic hot press machine [13,22]. The molding procedures involved the process of preheating at 150°C for 7 min, compression at the same temperature for 2 min, and eventually set it for water cooling at 20°C for 5 min [14].…”

“…Biocomposites are composite materials produced by using natural fibers [13]. They have been prepared by means of various types of natural fibers such as cellulose [14], rice husk [15], bamboo [16], oil palm empty fruit bunch [17], kenaf [18], etc. Biocomposites can potentially be used in diverse applications including automotive, construction, aviation, and industrial prototype such as 3D printed products as well [19].…”

A Short Review on the Effect of Surfactants on the Mechanico-Thermal Properties of Polymer Nanocomposites

“…Surfactants have an amphiphilic character, owing to hydrophilic and hydrophobic functional groups [33,34]. Previous studies have indicated that the surfactants could act as interaction links between hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymers [35][36][37]. Furthermore, the presence of surfactants in polymer nanocomposites not only increased the uniformity of the nanofillers dispersion [8], but also improved the compatibility and wettability between polymer and nanofiller [11], as well as enhanced the final properties of the nanocomposites [18].…”

Investigation of surface‐pegylated nanocellulose as reinforcing agent on PBAT biodegradable nanocomposites

“…Different approaches can achieve the NC dispersion, such as homo‐ or block‐copolymers to improve the steric stabilization; [ 25,26 ] surfactant‐assisted dispersion; [ 27–29 ] acetylation; [ 30 ] solvent‐assisted dispersion (the NCs are solvent exchanged from water to DMSO or DMF, for example, it is a high‐cost and lead to environmental emission and human exposure of volatile organic compounds); [ 22 ] freeze‐dry of the NCs; grafting with low average molecular weight polymers. [ 24,31,32 ] However, most approaches have high economic and environmental impacts, generating toxic by‐products, and limiting the application in biomaterials, for example.…”