Short Bamboo Fiber-reinforced HDPE Composites: Influence of Fiber Content and Modification on Strength of the Composite

Abstract

Bamboo fiber-reinforced HDPE composites were prepared employing melt blending technique followed by injection molding. A systematic investigation of the mechanical, dynamic, thermal, and morphological behavior of the composites was carried out. It was observed that the tensile and flexural properties increased with the increase in the fiber loading from 10% to 30%, beyond which there was a decline in the mechanical strength of the composites. Further, the composites treated with maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (MAPE) exhibited improved mechanical properties, which confirmed efficient fiber—matrix adhesion. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed that the storage modulus increased in the untreated and treated composites as compared with virgin HDPE, indicating an increase in the rigidity of the matrix polymer with reinforcement. The morphology of the tensile fractured samples was also examined using scanning electron microscopic analysis. The thermal characteristics in the composites have been studied using DSC, TGA, and HDT respectively. Water absorption test revealed lesser water uptake in the treated composites.