Rotational molding of LLDPE/coir fiber composites: Effect of fiber on mechanical, thermal, morphological and flammability properties

Abstract

This study uses a rotomolding procedure to produce hollow cubes made of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) and coconut fibers (CF). The purpose is to investigate the effect of different CF content (0, 5, 12.5, and 20 wt%) and size (100 and 50 mesh) on composite properties. As the CF content rises, the density of all composites decreases due to an increase in material porosity, a result of poor adhesion between the fiber and LLDPE. Impact strength reduced as the content of CF increased, except for the composite with 5 wt% of CF and 50 mesh size. The ineffective adhesion between coir fibers and LLDPE, along with the presence of voids in the matrix, caused the mechanical properties to deteriorate as the CF content increased. The flammability test revealed that all samples dripped. The neat LLDPE sample deformed, whereas the LLDPE/CF composites maintained their shape. This behavior suggests that CF plays a structural role in burning composites. Maleic anhydride-grafted polyethylene (MAPE), calcium stearate, and magnesium stearate additives did not contribute to reducing the composite’s porosity. MAPE was the only additive that did not reduce the elastic modulus of composites.

Keywords

• natural fibre composites
• natural fibers
• mechanical properties
• processing
• post-consumer