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Polymers and Polymer Composites

Mechanical properties of bio-composite natural rubber/high density polyethylene/ mengkuang fiber (NR/HDPE/MK)

September 1, 2016 By: Mohd Razi Mat Piah; Azizah Baharum; Ibrahim Abdullah Research article

Title: Mechanical properties of bio-composite natural rubber/high density polyethylene/ mengkuang fiber (NR/HDPE/MK)
Page Range: p.767-774
Author(s): Mohd Razi Mat Piah; Azizah Baharum; Ibrahim Abdullah
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Journal: Polymers and Polymer Composites
Issue Year: ppc
Volume: 24
Issue No: No.9

Abstract
The use of mengkuang fibre (MK) as a filler in NR/HDPE/MK bio-composite was investigated. The suitability of MK as reinforcing filler was studied in terms of the mechanical properties and phase morphology formed. Melt-blending was performed using an internal mixer (Haake Rheomix 600). The processing parameters identified were 135 deg C temperature, 45 rpm rotor speed and 12 min processing time. The optimum MK loading in 40/60 of NR/HDPE blend was obtained at 20 wt.% with the tensile strength, tensile modulus, and impact strength of 12.4 MPa, 377 MPa and 17.2 kJ/m2, respectively. These results showed an enhancement in tensile strength of 10.7% compared to the unfilled NR/HDPE blend. The maximum impact strength obtained at 5% fibre loading was 23.5 kJ/m2, which was 7.8% higher compared to unfilled NR/HDPE blend. The FESEM micrographs showed good adhesion between MK fibre and matrix. These mechanical properties enhancements proved the suitability of mengkuang fibre as potential reinforcing filler in NR/HDPE blend. 24 Refs.

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