UV, FIRT and surface properties of fiber reinforced low-density polyethylene laminated composites

Abstract

Polymeric materials are reinforced with synthetic fibers gives as high stiffness and strength to weight ratio as compared to conventional materials. By using compression moulding technique Low Density Polyethylene composites (LDPE) reinforced with Glass, Carbon and Kevlar fiber was prepared. The resultant LDPE composites were investigated to determine the effects of fibers on their mechanical, thermal and physical properties. The tensile results illustrated that the composite reinforced with carbon fiber has the best mechanical properties as compared to other composites. This is mainly due to the proper bonding interaction between polymer matrix and the bidirectional layer of fibers. Carbon fiber has crystalline or partly crystalline structures. Composites reinforced with Glass fiber and carbon fiber has highest impact energy. Thermal properties and water absorption studies have been investigated. Study on water absorption property revealed moderate increase in weight for the composites with Kevlar fiber. Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated retention of thermal stability of polymer composites and further characterized by FTIR & UV spectroscopy. The results clearly show that when the low-density polyethylene matrix is reinforced with fibers, morphological changes take place depending on the fiber. Supporting evidence and the surface structure was described in the form of AFM-microscopy analysis in the interfacial region of two polymer composites.