Mechanical and Morphological Properties of Pineapple Peel Fibre Reinforced High Density Polyethylene

The current work aim at developing a new formulation of biocomposite based on pineapple peel fiber (PAPF), a natural fiber reinforced high density polyethylene since fiber reinforced thermoplastic has the properties such as ease of fabrication, relatively low cost and superior mechanical properties compared to polymer resins. HDPE and PAPF were compounded on twin screw extruder model Brabender Plasticorder PL2000 and then prepared for tensile test (ASTM D638), flexural test (ASTM D790) and impact test (ASTM D256) by using injection molding machine. Characteristics of the biocomposite are determined using melt flow index (MFI), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and FTTR. MFI values of PAPF/HDPE composites decreased as the content of PAPF is increased. SEM analysis clarified that the structure of 30 wt% PAPF/HDPE has fewer voids. FTIR results showed O-H peak become broader with the increment of the fiber loading. The Young s modulus and flexural strength increased with fiber loading and exhibit optimum value at 30 wt%. Conversely, it is found that the tensile strength declined as the fiber concentration in composite increased. The flexural modulus increased linearly with increment of fiber loadings. However, impact strength decreases as the fiber loading is increased. The study concluded that the optimum fiber loading for the best performance of the composite is at 30 wt%