Comparison of LDPE/corn stalk with eco degradant and LDPE/corn stalk with MAPE: Influence of coupling agent and compatibiliser on mechanical properties

This study investigated the effect of corn stalk (CSP) content with different coupling agents, namely eco-degradant and Maleic Anhydride Polyethylene (MAPE), on tensile properties, as well as the morphology of Low Density Polyethylene/Corn Stalk (LPDE/CSP) biocomposites. It was found that increment of CSP content decreased both tensile strength. The dispersion and interfacial adhesion between CS filler and thermoplastic emerged as significant factors that affected the tensile properties of biocomposites system. In order to improve interfacial adhesion, incorporation of eco-degradant and Maleic Anhydride Polyethylene (MAPE) into LDPE/CS composites is recommended. The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and analysis displayed improvements to the interfacial adhesion between LDPE as matrix and corn stalk powder (CSP) filler with the presence of eco-degradant and Maleic Anhydride Polyethylene (MAPE). FTIR spectra for both biocomposites was investigated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy Analysis (FTIR). (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.