Title: Performance of high-density polyethylene-starch-linen fiber biocomposite

Abstract

The new sustainable development approach and environmental constrains push the current researches to be in coherence with the requirements of such route of development, reducing or substituting synthetic plastics (conventional polymers) are ones of these main concerns; in this regard we proceeded to the elaboration of high density polyethylene based bio composites consisting of HDPE/starch reinforced with linen fiber. Starch and natural fiber are renewable, low cost and biodegradable materials permitting the increase of composite biodegradation rate and contributing in the reduction of plastic waste which is considered as an environmental dilemma facing the world. The linen fibers were modified through alkali treatment to enhances the adherence aspect and the strength of these fibers. A large series of PE/starch/fiber blends at different contents were manufactured through thermocompression process, however the whole process is constituted of two step, mixing and thermos compression. Mechanical, thermal, structural and morphological proprieties were investigated in the aim of optimizing and studying the effects of linen fiber and starch addition to HDPE. The tests s has shown a promising results, mechanical Izod impact and tensile strength tests has showed an enhanced stiffness and Young’s modulus, whereas the Izod impact and tensile tests has decreased following fiber and linen incorporation. The weak compatibility in the matrix was revealed by SEM analysis and emphasized by FTIR spectra. Furthermore, and according to DSC and ATG analysis, the crystallinity was improved, however the thermal stability was slightly affected. The performance of The biocomposite with 60% HDPE, 20% starch, and 20% linen fiber has permitted to consider the previous formulation as highly acceptable for adoption in packaging application seen that even the decrease in some characteristics remain hugely moderate.

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