Thermal Properties of Hemp-High Density Polyethylene composites: Effect of two different chemical treatments

摘要

The drive towards environmentally sustainable materials has resulted in use of natural fibers as an alternative to glass fibers for reinforcement in composites. Hemp has a greatest potential of being used as a reinforcing fiber since it is one of the strongest and stiffest natural fibers along with being biodegradable, low cost and fast growth. However, the incompatibility of hemp fiber with thermoplastic matrix results in poor interface adhesion and lower thermal and mechanical properties. In this study, we have systematically investigated the effects of two chemical treatments of hemp fibers on the thermal stability of hemp-HDPE composites. Composites of various volume fractions were synthesized with sodium hydroxide and silane treated hemp fibers. Thermo-gravimetric analysis was used for thermal stability characterization. The results indicate that chemical treatment of hemp fibers with silane treated yield composites with better thermal stability compared to that of composites treated with NaOH or untreated hemp-HDPE.