The Effect of Lignocellulose Filler on Mechanical Properties of Filled-High Density Polyethylene Composites Loaded with Biomass of an Invasive Plant Solidago canadensis

The biological characteristics, chemical components and mechanical properties of composites prepared from fibers of Solidago canadensis (Goldenrod) are studied. In terms of biological characteristics, Goldenrod has been regarded as an invasive plant with characteristics such as strong fecundity, rapid growth and fast spreading. The chemical components of the lignocellulose of goldenrod were found to be the following: cellulose 36.09%, lignin 16.37%, pentosan 18.68%, ash 2.35%, and extractives 4.58%. It is feasible to use the lignocellulose of Goldenrod as a natural material for composites based on its chemical components. The mechanical properties of Goldenrod/ high density polyethylene (stem powder/HDPE) composites showed that the largest values for the flexural, tensile and notched strengths were 30.69, 14.75 MPa and 4.75 kJ/m(2), respectively. SEM tests revealed that there is good contact or interaction between the fiber-matrix interfaces, forming a three-dimensional network structure. In conclusion, this work confirms that the lignocellulose of Goldenrod has the potential to be utilized as a material for polymer composite production. This is the first report of using an invasive plant as in natural fiber-thermoplastic material, and the balance management could be achieved by comprehensive utilization the its biomass.