Mechanical properties of polymer composites are influenced by many factors such as the types of fibres, the types of polymer matrix, the additives used and the adhesion between fibres and polymer matrix. To improve the interfacial adhesion between HIPS matrix and abaca fibres, a study of the optimum use of a coupling agent (MAH) and impact modifier is presented in this paper. Abaca fibre reinforced high impact polystyrene (HIPS) composites were produced with different fibre loadings (30, 40 and 50 wt.%), different compositions of coupling agent, maleic anhydride (MAH) (1, 2 and 3 wt.%) and different compositions of impact-modifier (4, 5 and 6 wt.%). A response surface methodology using Box-Behnken design was used in the design of experiments and analysis of results. Statistical analysis of mechanical properties gave very satisfactory model accuracy, because the coefficient of determinance was 0.9817 for impact strength, 0.9789 for tensile strength, 0.9672 for tensile modulus, 0.9700 for flexural strength, and 0.9747 for flexural modulus. In this study, a loading of abaca fibre of 36.76 wt.%, maleic anhydride 3 wt.%, and impact modifier 4 wt.% led to optimum individual impact strength. On the other hand, optimum individual tensile strength and tensile modulus were achieved when the loading of abaca fibre was close to 40.76 wt.%, maleic anhydride 3 wt.% and impact modifier 6 wt.%, but the optimum individual flexural strength and flexural modulus were found when the loading abaca fibre was close to 40.03 wt.%, maleic anhydride 3 wt.% and impact modifier 4 wt.%.

Fast-growing scientific work is focusing on alternative sources to replace modern synthetic fibre materials due to the adverse effects caused by petroleum-based materials. Natural fibre possesses high potential as a replacement for synthetic fibre and petroleum-based products. These materials are not only greener and environmental-friendly, but also safe for human health. As such, this study investigated the influence of compatibilising agent of maleated anhydride polyethylene (MAPE) on mechanical performance of pineapple leaf fibre (PALF) reinforced polylactic acid (PLA). The raw materials, such as PALF, PLA, and MAPE, were mixed by using a hot roller mixer machine and hot compression moulding at 190ºC. The specimens were then tested for water absorption and flexibility. The specimens were submerged in water for 0, 7, 14, and 21 days. Three types of tests were conducted, namely water absorption, tensile, and flexural assessments. The results of water absorption, tensile, and flexural tests for the untreated PALF composite (UPALF) and treated PLAF composite (TPALF) were recorded and explained. As a conclusion, composite materials based on hydrophilic natural fibre may reduce the tensile and flexural properties of the composite.

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Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to study the thermal behaviour of abaca fibre reinforced high impact polystyrene (HIPS) composites. Thermal analysis is based upon the detection of changes in the heat content (enthalpy) and the glass transition temperature (Tg) of optimum condition of abaca fibre reinforced HIPS composites. In this research, glass transitions temperature (Tg) of neat HIPS occurred below the Tg of optimum condition of composites as the temperature of an amorphous state. The endothermic peak of composites was in to range 430-435°C including neat HIPS and it observed that enthalpy of abaca fibre reinforced HIPS composites yielded below the neat HIPS 748.79 J/g.

In this paper, the hardness property of abaca (Musa textile Nee) fibre reinforced high impact polystyrene (HIPS) composites with maelic anhydride (MAH) used as coupling agent and styrene butadiene styrene (SBS) copolymer rubber (Cyclo resin) used as impact modifier was investigated using response surface methodology.. The composites were initially fabricated using a rolling machine and finally using a hot press machine to obtain a desired thickness. These samples were then tested for Brinell hardness test. A statistical approach of response surface methodology was used to obtain the interaction between various compositions mentioned above for abaca fibre reinforced HIPS composites. The BHN (Brinell hardness number) was analyzed using response surface methodology (Box Behnken method).