Development and characterization of high-performance kenaf fiber–HDPE composites

Abstract

Natural fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composites have been increasingly used in automotive and other fields because of their good mechanical properties, low density, excellent damping properties and biodegradability. The objective of this work is to develop and characterize a high-performance lightweight kenaf fiber composite that is processed using unconventional processing methods, wet laid process followed with compression molding process. Kenaf fiber mats produced by wet laid process are stacked with high-density polyethylene films and compression molded into plates from which testing samples are prepared. The effects of fiber length, fiber content, and area density on the tensile properties are investigated. The composite samples with the best tensile properties are also evaluated in its flexural, compression, impact, and fire resistance performance. The processing-structure-property relations of the developed kenaf fiber high-density polyethylene composite are systematically studied, which can be broadly applied to other natural fiber composites.

Natural fiber-reinforced high-density polyethylene composite hybridized with ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene

“…The low densities of both natural fibers and thermoplastics often result in a composite with a density ranging from 1.04 to 1.45 g/cm 3 depending on the types of fiber and matrix and fiber percentages. 1,2…”

“…As a result, the strength of the discontinuous natural fiber thermoplastic composite material with polyolefin matrix is relatively low, varying from 18 MPa to 74 MPa. 1,13–16 Most of the polypropylene matrix composites have a tensile strength of around 50 MPa. 16…”

“…1,12,13 It has a low density less than 1 g/cm 3 and a melting temperature lower than 150℃. 1 The low melting temperature of the HDPE ensures good consolidation and impregnation but avoids degradation of the natural fibers. As such, the resultant natural fiber HDPE matrix composite has relatively good mechanical property along with low density.…”

“…For example, Wang et al. 1 developed a high-performance kenaf fiber HDPE composite with a tensile strength of 52 MPa.…”

“…The low densities of both natural fibers and thermoplastics often result in a composite with a density ranging from 1.04 to 1.45 g/cm 3 depending on the types of fiber and matrix and fiber percentages. 1,2 In spite of the above-mentioned advantages of the natural fiber thermoplastic composites, their use has been generally limited to low stress applications because of its relatively low strength. [3][4][5] Natural fiber itself normally has good tensile strength.…”