Kenaf Core Reinforced High-density Polyethylene/Soya Powder Composites: The Effects of Filler Loading and Compatibilizer

Abstract

The effects of kenaf core loading and maleated polyethylene (MAPE) as a compatibilizer on processing torque, mechanical properties, and water absorption were studied. HDPE/soya powder/kenaf core composites were prepared by incorporation of kenaf core powder at different loadings into HDPE/soya powder matrix with an internal mixer (Haake PolyLab) at 180°C and 50 rpm rotor speed. A compatibilizer, i.e., MAPE, was used to improve the matrix-filler interaction and the mechanical properties of the composites. The results indicated that tensile strength and elongation at break decreased with increasing filler loading, whereas stabilization torque, tensile modulus, flexural strength, flexural modulus, and water absorption exhibited an increasing trend. The presence of MAPE also enhanced the tensile and flexural properties of the composites.