Short palm tree fibers polyolefin composites: Effect of filler content and coupling agent on physical properties

Short date palm tree Lignocellulosic fibres have been used as a reinforcing phase in commodity thermoplastic matrices [poly(propylene) and low density polyethylene]. Compatibilazation of the fibres was carried out with the use of maleic anhydride copolymers. The morphology, thermal and mechanical properties of the resulting composites were characterised using SEM, DSC and tensile tests. The reinforcing capability of the unmodified fibres was found to depend on the nature of the matrix and the main parameter governing the composite behavior was the degree of crystallinity of the matrix. compatibilization was reported to enhance the mechanical performances for both sets of composites up to a critical amount of compatibilizer beyond which the degree of crystallinity of the matrix decreases.