Journal of Natural Fibers (Apr 2023)
Experimental Investigation on Underlying Mechanism of LLDPE Based Rotationally Molded BioComposites
Abstract
Large hollow seamless plastic products can be easily molded by rotational molding process. A determined thermal stability along with a broad processing window is some requisite variant requirement of resin needed to be incorporated for this technique. Though Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) satisfies such requirements, but it deliberately depicts deficiency in application where structural strength is an essential specification. Numerous additives and reinforcements have been evinced to satiate this void. The present study investigates the effect of Sugarcane Bagasse (SCB) and Jute as an additive with LLDPE in order to ensure requisite processibility and improvised mechanical properties and even assessing the underlying mechanism to observe the fiber dispersion for rotational molding process. Fourier Transform Infrared Technique (FTIR) and Melt Flow Index (MFI) tests were considered to verify the roto moldability for the prepared bio composites in distinguished concentrations. The results obtained were then characterized mechanically based on tensile and impact strength. Thermal Stability viz. Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) was also investigated to divulge the crystallinity impact of SCB and Jute with LLDPE when compared with pure matrix. Experiments revealed 5% of fiber addition manifested an improvised effect considering roto moldability and mechanical properties of end product.
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