Improved interactions in chemically modified pineapple leaf fiber reinforced polyethylene composites

Mechanical properties of pineapple leaf fiber reinforced low density polyethylene composites have been studied with special reference to the effects of interface modifications. Various chemical treatments using reagents such as NaOH, PMPPIC, silane and peroxide were carried out to improve the interfacial bonding. Both infrared spectroscopy and SEM were used to characterize the interface and the modified fiber surface. It has been found that the treatments improved the mechanical properties significantly. However, the effect varied according to the nature of the treatments. SEM studies on the fracture surfaces revealed the extent of fiber-matrix adhesion. It has been observed that the PMPPIC treatment reduced the hydrophilicity of the fiber and thereby enhanced the mechanical properties of the composites. The addition of a small quantity of peroxide and silane increased the mechanical properties considerably. The action of peroxide is associated with the peroxide-induced grafting of polyethylene on the fiber surface. Among the various treatments, PMPPIC treatment of fiber exhibits maximum interfacial interactions. Attempts have been made to illustrate the inter-facial bonding with the help of schematic models.