Investigation of physical and mechanical properties in natural fibers/plastic composite manufactured from soya stalk flour and HDPE

In this study, possibility use of soya stalk flour in natural fibers/plastic composite manufacturing has been investigated. Polyethylene and soya stalk flour in three levels (40, 50 and 60% w/w) and compatiblizer agent in three levels (2, 3 and 4% w/w) were mixed and injection molded. Mechanical and physical properties evaluated using of Factorial Experiment in Completely Randomized Design. Results revealed that mechanical properties in composites with higher content of compatiblizer were greater than others. Also, these properties with increment in soya stalk flour show an increasing trend. Interaction effect of mixture ratio and compatiblizer content on the mechanical properties was statistically significant. The produced composites with 60% soya stalk flour and 4% MAPE had greatest strength. The results show that composite water absorbance after 1344 hours water soaking, with compatiblizer agent increasing and soya stalk flour decreasing has been decreased.