Thermoplastic composites from natural reed fibers

Abstract

UNTREATED and benzylated reed fibers were used as reinforcing filler in thermoplastic composite. They were used to fill polypropylene, high density poly ethylene, low density poly ethylene, and polystyrene. Benzylated reed was characterized by TGA to predict the appropriate temperature for pressing and the resulting composites were characterized mechanically and physically. Benzylated reed filled polypropylene, high density poly ethylene, low density poly ethylene, and polystyrene showed enhanced fiexural modulus specially when filled polystyrene. Benzylation increases fiexural modulus compared to untreated fibers. Among the thermoplastic polymers under investigation, polystyrene composite reinforced with benzylated reed showed the best MOR due to the similarity and compatibility between the phenyl-structure present in both benzylated reed fibers and polystyrene which makes them thermodynamically compatible with each other. This is also seen from SEM figures. Tensile strength of the benzylated reed composite improved to great extent. Also, the increase in tensile strength of the composites under investigation is confirmed by SEM images.