Influence of fiber surface treatment on physico-mechanical properties of betel nut and glass fiber reinforced hybrid polyethylene composites

Abstract

The present research focuses on manufacturing hybrid composites using polyethylene matrix. Physico-mechanical testing of betel nut and glass fiber reinforced hybrid composites were subsequently conducted. Effect of alkali treatment of fiber was also explored. Firstly, composites were manufactured using a hot press machine for fixed 20% fiber loading. Betel nut and glass fiber ratio’s were varied at 1:1, 3:1 and 1:3. The fabricated composites were characterized based on mechanical testing, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis. Mechanical properties of fabricated hybrid composites enhanced significantly with increase in glass fiber content except for impact properties whereas it was reduced. Later, treated betel nut-glass fiber at a ratio of 1:3 was used to fabricate another sample. FTIR analysis reported that alkaline treatment of betel nut fiber transformed hydrophilic -OH groups of raw betel nut fiber into hydrophobic -O−Na groups and eliminated hemicellulose and lignin content of that fiber. Therefore, alkali treatment enhanced all mechanical properties of the composites. SEM analysis revealed better interfacial bonding between the treated fiber and PE due to alkaline treatment. Composites containing treated betel nut and glass at a ratio of 1:3 would provide the optimum set of mechanical properties among all fabricated hybrid composites.