Influences of the coupling agent and various compatibilisers on properties of recycled high density polyethylene/ethylene vinyl acetate/taro powder (Colocasia esculenta) biocomposites

Abstract

The recycled high density polyethylene/ethylene vinyl acetate (RHDPE/ EVA) blend was prepared by using Brabender Plasticoder mixer. Taro powder (TP) filler was added to produce RHDPE/EVA/TP composite. The effect of TP filler and different modifications approached: by treatment of TP filler with methyl methacrylate (MMA); by addition of commercial compatibiliser of polyethylene grafted maleic anhydride (PE-g- MAH); and by addition of hybrid compatibiliser of caprolactam-maleic anhydride (CL-MAH) were studied. Tensile properties, swelling behaviour, morphology, and thermal properties were also investigated. Findings indicated that the addition of TP filler led to the reduction in tensile strength and elongation at break while showing increment in modulus of elasticity. Upon modifications, the tensile strength and modulus of elasticity increased while the elongation at break decreased slightly. The composites exhibited an increased chemical uptake resulting in increased percentage mass swell once TP filler was added and after modification of the composites. The usage of compatibiliser and treatment of filler enhanced interfacial adhesion of matrix and filler with improvement in dispersion of filler as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).