Production of Sugar Beet Pulp/LDPE Composites Using Compression Molding Method and Investigation of Some Properties

Abstract

Aim of study: In this study, the effect of lignocellulosic filler and coupling agent amount on the physical and mechanical properties of produced sugar beet pulp/LDPE composites were researched.
 Material and methods: Wood-plastic composites were produced using compression molding method. The effect of lignocellulosic filler and coupling agent (maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene) amount on the physical (density and water uptake analyses) and mechanical (tensile strength, tensile modulus, elongation at break, flexural strength, flexural modulus, and impact strength) properties of composites were investigated.
 Main results: According to the obtained results, the rise in the amount of SBP were increased the density, tensile modulus, flexural strength, and flexural modulus while decreasing tensile strength, elongation at break, and impact strength of the resulting composites. Generally, the increase of coupling agent (MAPE) amount improved the composites properties except for impact strength and elongation at break.
 Highlights: Sugar beet pulp (SBP) can be successfully used as an alternative lignocellulosic filler in the wood plastic composite production.