Effect of Pressure and Polymer Ratio on Properties of Fiber Reinforce H.D.P.E [High Density Polyethylene] Composite.

ABSTRACT

This project is carried out to determine the properties of treated and untreated fiber, by characterizing the coconut shell powder composite. The fibers were subjected to chemical treatments such as mercerization with sodium hydroxide. This was done to improve fiber-matrix interaction for superior mechanical properties of the produced composites. Effect of pressure and polymer ratio was studied. The fiber was collected and washed to remove adhering dirts. The prepared fiber was characterized to determine [Ash, cellulose, lignin, hemicelluloses] the chemical properties. The characterized fiber was treated with sodium hydroxide to reduce the lignin content and make the fiber more hydrophobic. The treated fiber was compounded with High Density Polyethylene [HDPE]. The compounded mixture was size reduced and later introduced into a hydraulic press to produce the natural fiber reinforced high density polyethylene composites. The produced composites were characterized. The results showed that the tensile strength increased as the percentage of the fiber loading increased, and maximum yield was at 30% fiber loading. Effects of pressure on the mechanical properties of the composite were also studied. The result showed that the max tensile strength was obtained at 41.98MPa for treated fiber and 22.98MPa for untreated fiber at 30% fiber loading respectively. From the result it can be concluded that treated fiber yields more than the untreated fiber.