Characterization of chemically modified sawdust-reinforced recycled polyethylene composites

Chemically treated sawdust-reinforced recycled polyethylene composites were fabricated by the injection molding method, and the effect of fiber treatment on the physicomechanical properties of the composites were examined. Upon treatment with sodium hydroxide and benzoyl chloride, the hydrophilic nature of sawdust was significantly reduced. The physical properties of the composites such as water absorption, thickness swelling, and biodegradation behavior revealed that upon fiber surface modification, the composites have attained significant resistance to moisture absorption and microbial attacks. The mechanical properties of the chemically treated sawdust-reinforced composites were found to be improved compared to those of the untreated ones, suggesting that better fiber-matrix interfacial adhesion has occurred upon treatment of sawdust. This was further supported by surface morphology of the tensile-fractured surfaces of the composites captured by scanning electron microscopy that showed much less microvoids and interfacial flaws compared to those of the untreated ones.