Hybrid polymer composites made of sugarcane bagasse fibres and disposed rubber particles

Abstract

This work describes a novel hybrid polymer composite made from sugarcane bagasse and discarded rubber particles. A 25 full factorial design is performed to identify the effects of bagasse fibres and rubber particles on the physical and mechanical properties of the composites. The mechanical properties are evaluated by tensile and compression tests, and the physical properties by apparent porosity, water absorption and bulk density. The mechanical and physical properties are substantially affected by the amount and size of the rubber particles. The length and treatment of bagasse fibres affect the stiffness and strength of the composites with less contribution. The presence of sugarcane bagasse increases the compressive toughness of hybrid composites.