Mechanical properties and dimensional stability of organo-nanoclay modified biofiber polymer composites

In this study, hydrophobic Kraft fibers were obtained by organo-nanoclay modification. The treated fibers were used as reinforcements for improving mechanical performance and dimensional stability of high density polyethylene (HDPE) composites. After the organo-nanoclay treatment, Kraft fibers had a more uniform dispersion in the HDPE matrix and the resulting composites had a higher Young's modulus and thermal stability than the composites containing untreated fibers. The addition of 5 wt% of maleic anhydride polyethylene (MAPE) compatibilizer improved fiber and matrix adhesion and resulted in increased tensile strength and Young's modulus as well as thermal stability of both treated and untreated fiber composites. However, this improvement was more significant for the composites with the treated fibers. In addition, water absorption of the organo-nanoclay treated Kraft fiber-HDPE composites decreased after adding the compatibilizer.