Mechanical Performance Study of Kenaf/HDPE Composite for Structural Applications under Wet or Outdoor Environments

ABSTRACT

The present work used natural fiber-reinforced polymer composite to explore its feasibility for structural applications in wet or outdoor environments. A novel technique of microwave-assisted compression molding (MACM) is used to manufacture kenaf/high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composites. Mechanical performance of 30 wt.% reinforced kenaf/HDPE composite conditioned in different environments for 6 months was evaluated. The liquids taken for environmental conditioning were sea water, 5% NaOH solution, deionized water, vegetable oil (soybean oil), and diesel. Mechanical performances were investigated and correlated with different attributes, i.e. wettability, liquid uptake, thickness swelling, absorption mechanism, and morphologies. It was observed that the tensile, flexural, and hardness properties were decreased due to degradation in interfacial bonding. Whereas increased impact strength was observed due to the plasticization effect after conditioning. Composites conditioned in vegetable oil retained highest value of physical and mechanical properties. Whereas composites conditioned in 5% NaOH solution followed by other conditioning environments showed maximum degradation in the properties. It can be inferred from the study that kenaf/HDPE composites can be used for medium load structural applications present in viscous and chemically neutral environments. The best-suited example of the present work is container for storage of vegetable oil and for making boundaries outside the property.

摘要

本研究使用天然纤维增强聚合物复合材料探索其在潮湿或室外环境中的结构应用的可行性。采用微波辅助压缩成型（MACM）技术制备红麻/高密度聚乙烯（HDPE）复合材料。评估了30重量%增强红麻/HDPE复合材料在不同环境中处理六个月的机械性能。用于环境调节的液体为海水、5%NaOH溶液、去离子水、植物油（大豆油）和柴油。研究了机械性能，并将其与不同属性（即润湿性、液体吸收、厚度膨胀、吸收机理和形态）进行了关联 观察到，由于界面结合的退化，拉伸、弯曲和硬度性能降低。而由于调节后的塑化效应，观察到冲击强度增加。在植物油中处理的复合材料保留了最高的物理和机械性能值。而在5%NaOH溶液中处理的复合材料随后在其他处理环境中显示出性能的最大退化。从研究中可以推断，红麻/HDPE复合材料可用于粘性和化学中性环境中的中等负荷结构应用。本工作最适合的例子是用于储存植物油和在物业外划定边界的容器。

KEYWORDS:

• Microwave-Assisted compression molding
• natural fiber composites
• environmental degradation
• wettability
• absorption mechanism
• mechanical properties

关键词:

• 关键词
• 微波辅助压缩成型
• 天然纤维复合材料
• 环境退化
• 润湿性
• 吸收机制机械性能

Highlights

• Application feasibility of natural fiber composites in wet environments.

• Novel technique of microwave-assisted compression molding for thermoplastic-based composites.

• Mechanical behavior study of conditioned composites for application feasibility.

• Correlation of absorption and mechanical behavior with degradation of conditioned composites.

Acknowledgment

First author, Manoj, gratefully acknowledges IIT Mandi and Ministry of Education, Government of India, for his Ph.D. work.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Ethical approval

We confirm that all the research meets ethical guidelines and adheres to the legal requirements of the study country. The research does not involve any human or animal welfare-related issues.