A study on the mechanical properties and the influence of water uptake and temperature on biocomposites based on polyethylene from renewable sources

This work is aimed to evaluate the properties in terms of structural applications of the fully biobased composites obtained at reasonable price, without additional and costly chemical modifications. The bio-polyethylene obtained from sugarcane ethanol (Braskem, Brazil) was filled with four different fillers (25 wt.%): wood flour, ultrafine cellulose powder, kenaf chopped fibres and microparticles of mineral tuff filler. Physical, mechanical and thermal properties of the biocomposites were tested, as well as the influence of soaking in water and temperature on tensile properties. The fracture surfaces were studied using scanning electron microscope. Low density, increase in stiffness, improved resistance to deformation on heat and thermal properties stabilization within the temperatures of usage were the main advantages of the biocomposites comparing to the neat biopolyethylene. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.