Coconut fiber reinforced chemically functionalized high-density polyethylene (CNF/CF-HDPE) composites by Palsule process

Coconut fiber reinforced chemically functionalized high-density polyethylene (CF-HDPE) composites (CNF/CF-HDPE) with in situ fiber/matrix interfacial adhesion have been processed by Palsule process. Chemically functionalized maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene without compatibilizers has been used as matrix (in place of polyethylene with compatibilizer), and no fiber treatment has been performed. In situ fiber/matrix interfacial adhesion has been established by field emission scanning electron microscope and Fourier transform infra red spectroscopy. Mechanical properties of the CNF/CF-HDPE composites have been found to be higher than those of the CF-HDPE matrix and increase with increasing amounts of fibers in composites. Measured tensile modulus of CNF/CF-HDPE composites compares well with values predicted by Rule of Mixtures, Hrisch Model, Halpin-Tsai equations, Nielsen equation and Palsule equation.