The effect of double treatments of Luffa fibre on properties of Luffa/waste low density polyethylene composite was investigated. The properties focused were physical, mechanical and morphological while sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and stearic acid (CH3(CH2)16COOH) were used for the treatment. The fibre was treated with 8 wt% NaOH and further treated with stearic acid at concentration of 0.5-2.5 wt% at interval of 0.5 wt%. Two roll-mills were used to compound the fibre and the wLDPE at 150oCwhile the composite compressed to 13.9 MPa. The fabricated composite was characterized based on mechanical (tensile, impact and flexural strengths), physical (density and water absorption) and morphological properties. The double treatment (8 wt% NaOH/0.5 wt% stearic acid) recorded increase in tensile, impact and flexural strengths of 65.1%, 76.6% and 13.3% respectively over the single treatment fibre reinforced composite. The physical properties were also improved but the morphological properties revealed more cracks and voids with chemical treatment concentration. Therefore, even though treatments may improve compatibility of fibre and matrix as well as improve overall mechanical properties, it should be carried out in a way to have minimum damage of fibre form and structure.
Key words: Mechanical Properties, Luffa, Waste Polyethylene, Sodium hydroxide, Stearic acid
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