Studies on Tensile Properties of Compatibilized and Uncompatibilized Low-Density Polyethylene/Jackfruit Seed Flour (LDPE/JFSF) Blends at Different JFSF Content

Abstract

Currently, natural fillers seem to be the suitable materials in polymer industry, which have emerged as a viable and abundant replacement for the relatively high-cost and non-renewable conventional fillers. However, the direct introduction of natural fillers into polymer matrix could effect negatively on some properties. Therefore, the aim of this work is to evaluate the influence of jackfruit seed flour (JFSF) (before and after compatibilization) on the tensile properties of (LDPE/JFSF) blends. Different JFSF content (5, 10, 15 and 20 wt.%) with (63-100 𝜇𝑚) particle size were prepared in this work. Twin-screw extruder at 150°C and 50rpm screw speed followed by hot-compress machine at 150°C and 10MPa pressure were used respectively to produce (LDPE/JFSF) blends. Adipic acid (AA) solution was added as a compatibilizer into all blends equally (25wt% AA into 75wt% JFSf). The changes of tensile and morphological properties were investigated. Results shown decreasing on tensile strength and elongation at break of LDPE/JFSF and LDPE/JFSF/AA as JFSF increased. In contrast, Young’s modulus increased up to 10 wt.% of JFSF and then decreased. However, the addition of Adipic acid, particularly for JFSF 5wt.% has improved the tensile properties of LDPE/JFSF blends. The SEM micrographs showed the agglomeration at high JFSF content (20 wt%) which in turn effected negatively on the tensile properties. However, the blends show homogeneous surfaces as AA added.

Improved Self-Supporting and Ceramifiable Properties of Ceramifiable EPDM Composites by Adding Aramid Fiber

“…It can be observed that there was little change in the dimension of sample EPDM/AF 15 , as shown in Figure 3. It is widely accepted that the swelling is directly related to the cross-linking density of molecular chains [39][40][41], and less solvent uptake or penetration into the blends indicated higher cross-linking density. However, there is no cross-linking reaction between EPDM molecular chains and AF fiber; the lower solvent uptake or penetration into the blends could be attributed to the AF fiber, which restricted the slippage between the polymer chains [41].…”