Studies on Sugarcane Bagasse Fiber—Thermoplastics Composites

Abstract

The influence of thermoplastic/bagasse fiber ratio, as well as electron beam irradiation on the physicomechanical properties of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composites has been investigated. The concentration of bagasse fibers ranges from 20 to 80 wt%. The results indicate that there is deterioration in the properties as fiber concentration increased; however, it becomes significant only beyond 50% (w/w) bagasse fibers in both LDPE and HDPE composites. Also, the data show that this decrease in the properties is more pronounced in HDPE rather than LDPE composites. It can be noticed that enhancing adhesion between fibers and thermoplastics can be achieved by irradiation of the thermoplastic phase prior to mixing at 10 up to 60 kGy; a maximum improvement in the properties is observed at 40 and 10 kGy for LDPE and HDPE, respectively. From the data it can be seen that the increase in the flexural properties is higher than 100%, while it does not exceed 65% for impact toughness. On the other hand, the reduction in water absorption is not more than 5.5%. Also, examining SEM micrographs reveals that there is some sort of adhesion between fibers and thermoplastics phases.

Thermoplastic/Natural Filler Composites: A Short Review

“…Due to the limitation of gamma irradiation such as time consuming and probability of severe oxidation degradation of the composites, electron beam irradiation (EBI) offers some advantages in comparison to other conservative alteration methods. 66 The advantages of EBI include: it provides reliable sterilisation; very high dose rates are achievable; radiation doses are easily controlled; safe and easy to operate; high speed enhancement of properties, allowing irradiation of a variety of physical shapes; and pose no serious environmental hazards due to practically free of waste products. [67][68][69] Usually, during EBI, polymers having hydrogen in their monomeric units tend to form crosslink whereas others might be degraded during irradiation.…”

Low density polyethylene composites reinforced with Australian King Palm fibers: mechanical and thermal properties

“…In this context, the aim of this work is to develop and evaluate the mechanical and thermal properties of the LDPE composites reinforced with fibers of Australia Royal Palm for Biosolvit company. LDPE have been widely used as matrix for obtaining composites reinforced with natural fibers: doum/LDPE [4], coconut/ LDPE [15], sugarcane bagasse/LDPE [16], cotton/LDPE [17] among others.…”

Characterization of LDPE Reinforced with Calcium Carbonate—Fly Ash Hybrid Filler

“…Lazzeri et al [19] observed that uncoated precipitated CC particles have a very small nucleating effect on high density polyethylene (HDPE). LDPE is reported to have more amorphous phase than HDPE [20] [21]. For such semi-crystalline polymer based composites, fillers which can act as strong nucleating agent have the potential to induce polymer crystallization and also improve the interfacial interaction, which is the key to the preparation of high performance polymer/filler composites [22].…”