Effects of environment on the properties of low-density polyethylene composites reinforced with pineapple-leaf fibre

The influence of water environment on the sorption characteristics of low-density polyethylene composites reinforced with short pineapple-leaf fibers (PALF/LDPE) has been studied by immersion in distilled water at 28, 50 and 70 degrees C. The effects of fiber loading, temperature and chemical treatment on the sorption behavior are also evaluated. Water uptake is found to increase with fiber loading owing to the increased cellulose content. Weight change profiles for the composites at high temperature indicated that the diffusion is close to Fickian. All of the treated composites showed lower uptake than the unmodified composites. Parameters like diffusion, sorption and permeability coefficients were determined and activation energies were calculated. The thermodynamic constants such as entropy, enthalpy and first-order kinetic rate constant have been evaluated. A correlation between theoretical and experimental sorption results was evaluated. The effect of water uptake on uniaxial tensile properties has also been studied. Mechanical properties decreased after exposure to water, depending on time of immersion, fiber loading and chemical treatment. Finally, studies were carried out on the flexural properties of PALF/LDPE composites exposed to ultraviolet radiation. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.