Tensile and Flexural Properties of HDPE/Kenaf Composites with & without Compatibilizer

This project focuses on the tensile and flexural properties of natural fibers
composites and the effects of compatibilizer on mechanical properties. In this study,
HDPE/kenaf composites with and without compatibilizer were produced. The
composites were prepared with 20%, 30% and 40% (wt.%) of fiber content.
Continuous kenaf long fibers were layered between the layers of HDPE and
fabricated by the compression moulding method. A maleic anhydride compatibilizer
is added together to enhance the interfacial bonding of matrix-fiber in the
composites. Tensile and flexural tests were done on the samples and the
improvements on interfacial bonding of matrix-fiber were proved under field
emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The tested results were compared
to the tensile and flexural properties of neat HDPE. It was observed that the effects
of compatibilizer are significant on the tensile properties at 40% wt. of fiber content,
with improvement of 214% and 347% on tensile strength and modulus, respectively.
However, adverse effects of compatibilizer on tensile and flexural properties were
observed in other fiber contents compared to that of specimens without
compatibilizer.