HDPE- Coir composites–fabrication, process parameters and properties

Abstract

The composites of biodegradable high density polypropylene (HDPE) reinforced with short coir fiber were prepared by melt mixing followed by hot press molding. The effect of fiber addition on some physical and mechanical properties was evaluated. Different process parameters (e.g. mixing time, heating temperature and time, cooling time etc.) were established for good sample preparation The effects of fiber addition on some physical and mechanical properties were evaluated. The mechanical properties were studied via Universal Testing Machine (UTM). The density was increased with the increase of fiber addition. The tensile strength (TS) of fabricated product increased with the increase of fiber addition up to 10% (by wt.) and then decreased continuously. The elongation of fabricated composites was decreased with the increase of fiber addition continuously. The changes in the mechanical properties were broadly related to the accompanying interfacial bonding of HDPE coir composites (HDPECC). To observe the hydrophilicity of the prepared composites was evaluated by the water uptake properties. The interfacial bonding of the fiber and matrix of the coir fiber reinforced composites was studied via scanning electron microscope. It revealed that the introduction of short coir fiber led to a slightly improved mechanical stability of PP- Coir composites.