Mechanical characterization of sisal fiber-reinforced recycled HDPE composites

Abstract

The increasing awareness of the environment protection has contributed to concerns regarding alternative procedures for recycling of plastic wastes. Since chemical processes are high cost, energy and often environment harmful, thermo-mechanical techniques of recycling rises as a good alternative. This research deals with mechanical characterization of thermo-mechanical recycling of composites based on recycled high density polyethylene (HDPE) from post-consumed motor-oil plastic containers as matrix and natural fibers (sisal) as reinforcement. The composites were made by extrusion and then melt blended in a compression mold. The sisal fibers do not contribute to increase tensile strength. As fiber content increases loss of ductility is observed.

Keywords

• recycling
• thermoplastics
• composites
• mechanical properties