EFFECTS OF SUGARCANE BAGASSE FIBERS ON THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOUR OF HIGH DENSITY POLYETHYLENE

The effect of sugarcane bagasse fibers (10, 20, 30, 40%) on the mechanical behaviour of high density polyethylene (HDPE) was investigated. The sugarcane bagasse fibers were alkali-treated in 5% of sodium hydroxide solution, before compounded with HDPE matrix via hot pressing technique. The bagasse/HDPE composites were appraised to determine the tensile strength, flexural modulus, hardness and percentage elongation. The results showed a decreased in the tensile strength and elasticity with the addition of bagasse fiber in HDPE. The morphology of the composites showed clustering of the fibers in the polymer matrix and to some degree, weak adhesion between bagasse fibers and HDPE matrix was evident. The study revealed that 20% and 30% of bagasse/HDPE exhibited improved hardness (106 HRR) and flexural modulus (2.6 GPa) when compared to fiber-free HDPE matrix.