Hybrid composites of low density polyethylene (LDPE) reinforced with intimately mixed short sisal and glass fibers were prepared by solution mixing technique. The mechanical properties of these composites have been investigated with reference to the effects of orientation and composition of fibers in them. It has been observed that the composites contining longitudinally oriented fibers exhibit better mechanical properties than those with randomly oriented ones. Also it is seen that the mechanical properties increase with increase in the volume fraction of glass fibers in the hybrid composites. The effict of chemical modification of sisal fibers on the properties of 50:50 sisal/glass fiber composites has also been studied. The hybrid effect was calculated by the additive rule of hybrid mixtures using the mechanical properties of individual composites. A positive hybrid effect was echibited by the composites for all the mechanical properties except for elongation at break.

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Blends of polycarbonate/acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene terpolymer (PC/ABS) and polycarbonate/maleic anhydride grafted ABS (PC/MABS) were prepared over the whole range of compositions using a single‐screw extruder. Tensile, flexural, notched Izod impact properties, and the heat deflection temperature of these blends were determined. Mechanical properties of PC/MABS blends are nearly equal to or higher than, those predicted by the rule of mixtures, whilst those of PC/ABS blends show nearly equal, or negative deviation, from the rule of mixtures. The notched impact strength of PC/MABS blends shows a positive blending effect and proportionate increase from 25wt% PC to 75wt% PC. Scanning electron micrographs were taken of etched surfaces of selective blends. © 1998 SCI.

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