Abstract
In this study, the properties of a polyolefin blend matrix (PP-HDPE) were evaluated and modified through the addition of raw coir coconut fibers-(CCF). PP-HDPE-CCF biocomposites were prepared using melt blending processes with CCF loadings up to 30% (w/w). CCF addition generates an increase of the tensile and flexural modulus up to 78% and 99% compared to PP-HDPE blend. This stiffening effect is caused by a decrease in the polymeric chain mobility due to CCF, the higher mechanical properties of the CCF compared to the polymeric matrix and could be an advantage for some biocomposites applications. Thermal characterizations show that CCF incorporation increases the PP-HDPE thermal stability up to 63 °C, slightly affecting the melting behavior of the PP and HDPE matrix. DMA analysis shows that CCF improves the PP-HDPE blend capacity to absorb higher external loads while exhibiting elastic behavior maintaining its characteristics at higher temperatures. Also, the three-dimensional microscopy study showed that CCF particles enhance the dimensional stability of the PP-HDPE matrix and decrease manufacturing defects as shrinkage in injected specimens. This research opens a feasible opportunity for considering PP-HDPE-CCF biocomposites as alternative materials for the design and manufacturing of sustainable products by injection molding.
Highlights
A polymeric blend is a material formed from the physical combination of at least two polymers.These materials are used in various technological applications due to the possibility of modifying several properties considering the main characteristics of the polymers in the blend and their mixing ratio
PP-HDPE-Coconut Fibers (CCF) biocomposites were processed using
PP-HDPE-CCF biocomposites were processed using extrusion by injection injection molding
Summary
A polymeric blend is a material formed from the physical combination of at least two polymers. These materials are used in various technological applications due to the possibility of modifying several properties considering the main characteristics of the polymers in the blend and their mixing ratio. These materials have been studied by several authors in the last years [2,3,4]. According to these studies, polymeric blends can be classified as immiscible (heterogeneous), compatible, or miscible (homogeneous), been most of these materials (around 90%) immiscible or multiphase systems with partial miscibility [1,3,4]. According to a Colombian non-profit organization that represents the companies related to chemical sector including plastics, rubber, paints, inks (coatings), and fibers, ACOPLASTICOS, the Colombian production of plastic resins was about 1.34 million tons in 2017 and polyolefins (low density polyethylene—LDPE, high density polyethylene and polypropylene—PP) represent around
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