Cellulose filaments reinforced low-density polyethylene

Abstract

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) was reinforced with cellulose filaments (CF) and the influence of CF loading on the mechanical properties and water absorption behavior was evaluated. A maximum of 40% (w/w) CF content was found to provide excellent mechanical properties with respect to neat LDPE. A comparison of mechanical properties of LDPE-CF composites and LDPE-glass fiber (GF) composites showed a potential advantage of CF as reinforcement in term of cost and specific properties over conventional GF reinforcement. Moreover, no improvement in the mechanical properties was observed when a compatibilizing agent, such as maleic anhydride modified polyethylene was added during the manufacturing of LDPE-CF composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:16–23, 2019. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers.