Influence of coupling agent content on the properties of high density polyethylene composites reinforced with oil palm fibers

• Palm oil fibers have been used as reinforcement in polyethylene matrix.
• The coupling agent (MAPP) has been used to improve matrix-particles adhesion.
• The effect of coupling agent on the morphological and mechanical properties has been studied.

Oil palm fiber reinforced high density polyethylene (HDPE) composites which can be used in several applications (mechanical part, fiber panel, etc.) were manufactured by twin-screw extrusion followed by compression molding. In particular, the effect of coupling agent (maleated polypropylene, MAPP) concentration (0, 2, 4 and 6 wt.%) was investigated for 30 and 40 wt.% oil palm fiber. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and mechanical testing (tension and impact) were carried out to determine the effect of fiber and compatibilizer contents. The results showed that compatibilized composites have increased stiffness due to enhanced interfacial adhesion between the fibers and the matrix, as well as better homogeneity (better fiber dispersion) due to chemical bonding. The optimum MAPP content was found to be 4% for the range of conditions tested.