Effect of bagasse chemical treatment on the mechanical properties of composites based on treated bagasse/recycled polyethylene

Flexural strength, modulus and tensile strength of composites made from treated baggase flour/recycled polyethylene was investigated. Baggase flour (40 mesh particles) was treated with 10% hydroxide sodium for 45 minutes. Then, the composites were manufactured using injection molding method using both treated and virgin baggase flour as filler (46 and 26%), and recycled and virgin polyethylene as matrix. Flexural strength of the composites made from treated fiber was superior to the relevant untreated fibers. Chemical modification of bagasse fiber improved the tensile strength. Increasing the fiber ratio from 26 to 46%, increased the flexural strength, modulus and tensile strength of the composite. Flexural and tensile properties of the composites produced using recycled HDPE were identical to those based on virgin HDPE.