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

> 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 Click Here to Download Now! - File size: (subscribers only) Journal: Polymers and Polymer Composites Issue Year: ppc...

Canonical URL: https://polymerjournals.com/mechanical-properties-of-bio-composite-natural-rubber-high-density-polyethylene-mengkuang-fiber-nr-hdpe-mk/
Published: 2016-09-01T00:00:00+00:00
Categories: Polymers and Polymer Composites

**Title: Mechanical properties of bio-composite natural rubber/high density polyethylene/ mengkuang fiber (NR/HDPE/MK)**
 ![](http://ppc.jpg)Page Range: p.767-774
 Author(s): Mohd Razi Mat Piah; Azizah Baharum; Ibrahim Abdullah
 ![](http://dload.gif)Click Here to Download Now! - File size: (subscribers only)![](http://pdf.gif)
 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.