Comparison of Tensile Properties and Mechanical-Dynamic Analysis of Poly-Lactic Acid / Poly-Ethylene Compounded with Natural Fibers

Abstract

In this study, the tensile and dynamic-mechanical properties of composites made by poly-lactic acid polymer (PLA) and high density polyethylene (HDPE) as matrix and sawdust to reinforcement 30 % weight were investigated. Maleic anhydride bonded with polyethylene (MAPE) was used to increase coupling agent by 3%. The use of sawdust increased the stiffness of composites while the use of this material reduced the tensile strength of composites. The highest tensile properties (elastic modulus and tensile strength) were related to poly lactic acid /polyethylene / sawdust / coupling agent composites. The addition of natural fibers to both matrices (PLA and MAPE) increased the composite storage modulus compared to pure polymers, while the modulus of storage in pure polyethylene and its composite was higher. Simultaneous use of two polymers with an equal ratio (33.5% by weight) and composite sawdust have shown the stiffness between the composites made with single polymers. The use of natural fibers reduced the mobility of the molecular chain and transported the temperature of the composite to higher temperatures, which eventually moved the corresponding corners to the right and lower. However, in some cases, the transmission of pixels has not followed the normal process. The addition of the coupling agent (MAPE) makes bonding more common between two phases in all composites and ultimately increases stiffness.

Keywords

• COMPOSITES
• Sawdust
• Poly Lactic Acid
• Polyethylene
• tensile properties
• Dynamic- Mechanical Analysis