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Polymers and Polymer Composites

Auto-hybridization of polyethylene/maple composites: the effect of fiber size and concentration

June 1, 2017 By: Rodriguez-Castellanos W; Rodrigue D Research article

Title: Auto-hybridization of polyethylene/maple composites: the effect of fiber size and concentration
Page Range: p.471-482
Author(s): Rodriguez-Castellanos W; Rodrigue D
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Journal: Polymers and Polymer Composites
Issue Year: ppc
Volume: 25
Issue No: No.6

Abstract
This work investigated the effect of maple fibre size and content on the auto-hybridisation of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) composites. The samples were compounded by twin-screw extrusion and moulded by compression moulding. Different fibre loadings (5 to 20% wt.), fibre sizes (0-425 microns) and size ratios (30/70, 50/50, 70/30 of short, medium, and long fibres) were used to prepare the auto-hybrid composites with 3% of coupling agent (maleated polyethylene). Micrographs and impact strength results showed that the fracture in auto-hybrid composites is mostly dependent on the longer fibres. At 10% wt. the optimum ratio was 30/70 of shorter/longer fibres, which improved tensile strength (20%), tensile modulus (20%), and impact strength (13%) compared with composites with a single fibre size. But at 20% wt., tensile modulus increased by 30% and torsion modulus by 40% above the rule of hybrid mixtures (RoHM) at a 70/30 ratio of shorter/longer fibres. 68 Refs.

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