Study of Betel Nut Husk Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composite

Abstract

The mechanical properties of oxo-biodegradable high-density polyethylene (oxo-HDPE) composites reinforced betel nut husk (BNH) fibre were studied in this research. A neat oxo-HDPE laminate and four betel nut fibre reinforced oxo-HDPE composites were fabricated using hot press compression moulding method. The composites contain 7%, 12%, 17%, and 22% fibres volume fraction respectively. The cross section of the composite was observed under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and all five laminates are put through tensile test and hardness test. The result of the study shows that adding betel nut husk (BNH) fibres as reinforcement increases its tensile strength, specific tensile strength, and hardness of the composites. The good lamination observed under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) enable good transfer and distribution of stresses from the matrix to the fibres.