Investigation of the mechanical and thermal behaviour of CS/HDPE biocomposites based on processing techniques

Abstract

In an attempt to produce sustainable materials with improved performance suitable for use in the built environment, the effects of processing techniques on the mechanical and thermal properties of cotton stalk flour polymer composites were investigated. The results reveal that all the injection-molded samples exhibited higher tensile and flexural strength than the compression-molded sample. Also, the injection molded samples filled with 30 wt% and 40 wt% of cotton stalk flour have higher tensile and flexural modulus than the compression molded sample with the 50 wt% filler loading. The notched impact strength of all the injection-molded samples was found to be greater than that of the compression-molded sample. The thermal stability of the compression-molded sample- was seen to be higher than that of the injection-molded samples. The SEM analysis of the compression molded notched impact fractured samples shows a rapid growth of crack propagation owing to poor interfacial bonding. The study demonstrates that the injection molding technique is a better option for producing biocomposites from cotton stalk flour of particle size distribution 425 μm to <53 μm and recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with improved mechanical performance intended for decking and flooring applications.