Investigating the influence of plasma treated polyethylene powder, carbon fibers in enhancing the mechanical properties of polymer composites using rotomoulding method

In this research, rotomoulded samples of polyethylene (PE) were mechanically tested to find better applications. The mold was kept in an oven at 260°C with forced convection. Total fabrication time depended on peak internal air temperature (PIAT) used with 200, 220 and 240°C to confirm the fabrication conditions. The plasma treatment of PE and recycled carbon fiber (CF) was used for the improvement of properties. Maximum tensile strength (TS) of 23.1 MPa was observed in 10 wt% CF/PE composites. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) results revealed good mechanical interlocking with higher chemical interaction of carbon fiber of up to 10 wt% with plasma polyethylene leading to good mechanical properties in the composites. Flexural strength (FS) of 19.98–26.02 MPa in the properties was observed plasma treated in the PE with CF (3–10 wt%) combination. Agglomeration in the carbon fiber lowered flexural properties of 13, 15 wt% filler with both plasma and non‐plasma PE. The CF (3–10 wt%) with plasma PE showed enhanced impact strength (IS) from 6.84 to 8.64 KJ/m2. Maximum TS, FS and IS were observed with peak internal air temperature (PIAT) of 200°C. Surface images showed even distribution of fiber and resin in the plasma treated matrix in 5 wt% CF combinations. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results do not show fluctuations in the melting and crystallization temperatures of the samples after plasma treatment. The influence of plasma treated polyethylene matrix with carbon fiber filler observed better mechanical properties. The maximum properties was observed with 10 wt% carbon fiber incorporation.