Mechanical Behaviour of a Green Composite from Biopolymers Reinforced with Sisal Fibres

Abstract

In recent years, green composites based on thermoplastic matrices from renewable sources, and reinforced with natural fibres, have gained significant importance in different industrial applications, due to lower environmental impacts and production costs than traditional composites. This work investigates the manufacturing process, fibre/matrix integration and mechanical properties of a novel environmentally friendly green composite with a recyclable biobased polymer from a renewable source and a biodegradable natural fibre. Untreated woven sisal fibres reinforced post-consumer green polyethylene composites were evaluated in terms of flexural, tensile and impact properties. Traditional and green high-density polyethylene (HDPE), originated from sugarcane ethanol, were utilised as matrices of the investigated composites. Woven sisal fibres were arranged in two different stacking sequences, i.e. [0°/90°] and [± 45°], being incorporated into the HDPE with a mass percentage proportion of 30/70 (fibre/matrix). A low-cost manufacturing process based on the hot compression moulding was used to produce the composites. The results were analysed by a factorial design to identify the effects of polyethylene type and the use of woven sisal fibres, considering the [0°/90°] and [± 45°] orientations. Thermal gravimetric analysis was used to verify the thermal stability of the sisal fibre. The topographic surface of sisal fibres was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the use of green polyethylene reinforced with untreated woven sisal fibres achieved higher flexural modulus (35%), flexural strength (13%), tensile strength (39%) and ultimate strain (68%) than traditional polyethylene without reinforcement. The green composite presented promising mechanical results to replace materials from non-renewable sources and can reduce manufacturing costs of the final product. These composite materials can be efficient for structural applications such as insulated panels, drywall and partitions for furniture.