Design, fabrication, and characterization of natural fillers loaded HDPE composites for domestic applications

Abstract

AbstractThis work aims to incorporate lignocellulosic coconut coir (CC) fillers into the HDPE matrix for domestic cloth clip product development where the strength is less significant. The structural, mechanical, and thermal properties of HDPE composites with varying weight fractions of CC fillers (10, 20 wt%) were investigated. The die for product development was designed through Pro‐E software and manufactured with relevant machining processes. The composites were fabricated through the injection molding technique as per ASTM standards. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis, the microstructure and various proportions of elements present in the composites were investigated. The presence of different functional groups and their vibrations were identified through the Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) technique. The experimental mechanical results reveal the positive effect of CC fillers in the HDPE matrix, and the results were a maximum of 20 wt% CC filler incorporation. The filler reinforcement has little effect on the thermal degradation behavior since the step of deterioration is not changed appreciably. Nevertheless, the initial degradation temperature was affected by the presence of CC fillers. Depolymerization and dehydration of diverse ingredients correspond to different endothermic peaks in the DSC curve. Based on the characterization results, the 20 wt% CC filled‐loaded partial eco‐composite was selected for cloth clip product development.