Study of the Mechanıcal Propertıes and Water Absorptıon of Mıcro-Sısal Fıbre Reınforced Waste Low-Densıty Polyethylene Composıte
Study of the Mechanıcal Propertıes and Water Absorptıon of Mıcro-Sısal Fıbre Reınforced Waste Low-Densıty Polyethylene Composıte
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2022-07
Authors
Y. Adamu
O. B. Ikechukwu
H. O Malik
A. S. Joji
A. D. Ado
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal for Institute of Polymer Engineers (JIPE) A Publication of Institute of Polymer Engineers (a division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers)
Abstract
This study investigated some mechanical properties and water absorption behaviour of treated and untreated micro sisal fibre waste low-density polyethylene (wLDPE) composite. The fibres were treated with sodium hydroxide and benzoyl chloride solution to improve fibre-matrix bonding. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) analyzed the effects of various treatments. The composite was produced by compression moulding technique using weight fractions 0 – 15 wt% at 5 wt% intervals of fibre in the matrix. The composite samples were characterized for tensile, flexural, impact, and water absorption properties as well as morphology. The results revealed that micro sisal particles improved the composite’s tensile strength. Fibre loading of 10 wt% gave the composite's best flexural and impact strengths corresponding to 29 MPa and 4.55mJ/mm2 respectively while 15 wt% gave the best tensile strength of 12.43 MPa. Generally, fibre treated with 50 ml benzoyl chloride gave better impact and flexural strengths compared to those treated with NaOH. However, fibres treated with NaOH showed improved tensile strength at all fibre loading in this study. The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) revealed a uniform distribution of micro-sisal fibre in the matrix. Hence, can be used for interior applications such as car seats, dashboards, and car interiors for decorative purposes or other interior parts of an automobile where high strength is not considered a critical requirement.
Description
Preprint Journal Article