Comparative study of oil palm and nettle fibers reinforced chemically functionalized high-density polyethylene composites

The demand of natural fiber reinforced composites has grown enormously in polymer industries owing to their renewability and sustainability and maintaining their performance and properties. In this investigation, two natural fibers have been considered as a reinforcer to develop chemically functionalized high-density polyethylene (CF-HDPE)-based composites. The total holocellulose content of similar to 85% and similar to 65% for nettle fiber (NTF) and oil palm empty fruit bunch fiber (OPF) make them significant for this study. OPF/CF-HDPE and NTF/CF-HDPE composites have been developed and characterized to measure their desirable properties. The structural confirmation suggests reinforcement/matrix adhesion through ester and hydrogen bonds between them. NTF/CF-HDPE and OPF/CF-HDPE are thermally stable upto 240 degrees C and 250 degrees C, respectively. A significant increment of similar to 40% and similar to 64% in tensile strength were observed in addition of OPF and NTF reinforcer in pristine matrix. A similar observation has been shown in flexural strength with improvement of similar to 58% and similar to 83% with OPF and NTF as reinforcer. Among all these composite compositions, the 30/70 NTF/CF-HDPE composite demonstrated the highest tensile and flexural properties values due to higher holocellulose of NTF. This study demonstrates the potential of OPF and NTF reinforcer to develop natural fiber reinforced polymer composites, which helps respective industries to manufactured tailored made products with desirable properties.