Behavior of polyethylene composites based on hemp fibers treated by surface‐initiated catalytic polymerization

Abstract

In this investigation, hemp fibers were-surface treated by ethylene polymerization grafting to determine the effect of high grafting level on the mechanical (tensile and impact) and dynamic mechanical properties of linear mediumdensity polyethylene (L) composites (20%wt.) produced via melt compounding.The results showed that, comparing the treated hemp composite (L20PH) with the untreated hemp composite (L20H), the modification reduced by 44% the modified fibers composite water absorption, while increasing the elongation and tensile strength by about 197% and 14%, respectively. Moreover, due to better interfacial interactions with the matrix and the flexibility imparted by the presence of both grafted and ungrafted polyethylene (PE) onto modified hemp fibers, the corresponding composite exhibited lower density and significantly high impact resistance (about 57%) compared to the untreated hemp composite. These results were confirmed by the composites creep strain as L20PH and L maximum strain (ε max ) was respectively 18% and 42% higher compared to that of L20H, showing that L20H has the high modulus followed by L20PH and then L. The significant improvement of the modified composite flexibility, impact resistance and the limited reduction of its modulus make this material not only suitable for building and construction applications, but also in the production of packaging and automotive parts.

Evaluation of Eco-Friendly Hemp-Fiber-Reinforced Recycled HDPE Composites

“…In the case of hemp fibers, chemical treatment, such as treatment with alkali, silanization, or surface-initiated polymerization [38][39][40][41][42][43], as well as physical treatments such as stretching, thermotreatment, and electric discharge have been proposed and studied as possible means to ameliorate the adhesion with the polymeric matrix [44][45][46]. In addition, polymer modification through reactive group grafting appears to be an effective process to offer better interfacial adhesion, without requiring solvent-based techniques [47][48][49].…”

Ultrasonication‐assisted alkali treatment of hemp fibers to improve the fiber/matrix interface of hemp/epoxy composites: The influence of sodium dodecyl sulfate surfactant

“…A wide spectrum of fiber and matrix treatments has been used to enhance the fiber/matrix bonding. These include NaOH treatment, [14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22] silanization, 16,[23][24][25] acetylation, 16,23,26 grafting, [27][28][29] and use of enzymes. 14,15,30 Alkali treatment is a widely used fiber modification technique because it is low-cost, easy to apply and also very effective.…”

“…A wide spectrum of fiber and matrix treatments has been used to enhance the fiber/matrix bonding. These include NaOH treatment, 14–22 silanization, 16,23–25 acetylation, 16,23,26 grafting, 27–29 and use of enzymes 14,15,30 …”

Effect of large sized reed fillers on properties and degradability of PBAT composites

“…Their consumption has increased rapidly. [ 1–6 ] Unfortunately, most of these conventional plastics are not degradable, which leads to large amounts of plastic waste accumulation. It causes serious soil and marine pollution to threaten human health.…”