TITLE:
Tensile Properties and Fractographic Analysis of Low Density Polyethylene Composites Reinforced with Chemically Modified Keratin-Based Biofibres
AUTHORS:
Isiaka Oluwole Oladele, Jimmy Lolu Olajide, Okikiola Ganiyu Agbabiaka, Olawale Opeyemi Akinwumi
KEYWORDS:
Animal Fibre, Alkaline Treatment, Fibre-Matrix Interface, Mechanical Behaviour, Polymer Matrix Composites
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Minerals and Materials Characterization and Engineering,
Vol.3 No.4,
July
23,
2015
ABSTRACT: This research has investigated the tensile properties and fractography of animal fibre-reinforced
low density polyethylene composites. The composites were synthesized by hot compression moulding
using chemically modified white and black cow hair biofibres as the reinforcing phase of composites.
Alkaline solutions of varying molarities were used to prepare the chemical treatments in this
present study. Tensile properties of the developed composites were evaluated based on molarities
of chemical treatment and % fibre loading. Scanning electron microscopy was used to characterize
the morphologies of the fractured surfaces of composites. Obtained tensile test results revealed significant
enhancement in the tensile properties of composites, with the optimum combination of tensile
properties presented by 2 wt% white cow hair biofibre reinforcement treated with 0.15 M sodium
hydroxide. Observations from the fractographic analysis of the developed composites revealed
shearing of the polymer matrix at the fibre-matrix interface and no fibre pullout behaviour.