Mechanical and thermal properties of hybrid composites: Oil-palm fiber/clay reinforced high density polyethylene

In this work, oil palm fibers (OFF) and clay particles were modified and then incorporated to reinforce high density polyethylene (HDPE). The hybrid composites were prepared and compounded with a compatibilizer by twin-screw extrusion followed by injection molding. The evolution of thermal, mechanical, and dynamic mechanical performances of the hybrid composites as a function of filler content was investigated. The morphological study showed that the alkali treatment of OFF fibers enhanced their surface interaction with the polymer, while the addition of a coupling agent increased the interfacial adhesion between both fillers and the polymer matrix leading to improved filler dispersion/distribution (homogeneity). The tensile properties results showed that the 12.5:12.5 hybrids composite had the best tensile properties with a gain of 49% in Young's modulus and 11% in tensile strength. For the dynamic mechanical characterization, an increase in the complex modulus was observed with filler addition. Finally, the thermal stability of the hybrid composites increased with clay addition which is more thermally stable than OFF. The results obtained confirmed the viability of the combination between fibers and particles, thus opening new perspectives for the use of these natural by-products. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.