Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Teak Wood Flour/Starch Filled High Density Polyethylene Composites

Abstract

Teak wood flour (TWF) reinforced HDPE composites were prepared and characterized in terms of mechanical, morphological and thermal properties using 2% polyethylene grafted with maleic anhydride (PE-g-MAH) as compatibilizer. The composites were prepared by twin screw extrusion and samples were prepared by injection molding. Mechanical properties increased with the incorporation of TWF, Starch and PE-g-MAH. Tensile strength and Young's modulus increased by 96% and 207%, respectively for TWF (40%)-HDPE composite as compared to virgin matrix. Scanning electron microscopy revealed good interface between TWF and matrix. FT-IR spectra confirmed the esterification reaction and H-bond between anhydride group of PE-g-MAH and cellulose of TWF. The DSC results showed that the melting temperature increased from 129°C to 137°C while crystallization (%) decreased from 40.49% for HDPE to 34.77% for 40% TWF composites, respectively. The storage modulus increased for all the composites at low temperature. Glass transition temperature practically remained unaffected by filler loading.