Mechanical properties of HDPE/textile fibers composites

AbstractThe use of natural fibers as reinforcement for thermoplastics has generated much interest due to the low cost, low density, high specific properties characteristics. In this work the mechanical properties of high density polyethylene/ textile fibers residues composites were studied. Effect of pretreatment with sulfuric acid on textile fibers to prepare composites was made to provide an improvement in mechanical properties of these materials. This treatment on fibers was evaluated by X-ray diffraction technique. Composites were produced in a thermokinetic mixer in the following composition: 5 and 10 wt% fibers. After mixing the samples were injection molding according to ASTM D-638 specification. Specimens were tested in tensile mode and composite fractures surface were analyzed in a scanning electron microscopy. Also was studied moisture absorption. Results showed that HDPE/ textile fibers residue presents good mechanical performance compared with high-density polyethylene