Effect of compatibilizing agent on the fiber-matrix adhesion and mechanical properties of lignocellulose fiber reinforced polyolefin

Lignocellulose fiber (LCF)-reinforced high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP) composites were prepared with a twin-screw extruder using a maleic anhydride-modified polyolefin as a compatibilizing agent. The effect of a compatibilizing agent on the mechanical properties of the composites was investigated. Acoustic emission (AE) measurements were conducted during tensile testing to evaluate the micro-fracture process of the composites. The mechanical properties of the LCF-polyolefin composites were greatly increased by the addition of a compatibilizing agent. In particular, the tensile strengths for the 20 mass% LCF/HDPE and 30 mass% LCF/PP composites were improved by 30% and 57%, respectively, when a compatibilizing agent was used. Differences in the AE behaviors of composites with and without a compatibilizing agent indicated that the use of a compatibilizing agent changed the fracture mode of the composites from interfacial fracture to CF fracture.