Effects of chemical modification of epoxy-(ethylene diamine) on water hyacinth fibers (Eichhornia crassiper)-filled (low-density polyethylene)/(natural rubber) blends

The effects of modification by epoxy‐(ethylene diamine) (EED) on (water hyacinth fiber)‐filled (low‐density polyethylene)/(natural rubber) (LDPE/NR/WHF‐EED) composites were studied. The LDPE/NR/WHF and LDPE/NR/WHF‐EED composites were prepared by using a Brabender Plasticorder. LDPE/NR/WHF‐EED showed higher tensile strength, Young's modulus, and elongation at break but lower molar sorption of toluene compared with LDPE/NR/WHF composites. The Fourier‐transform infrared radiation analysis indicated that the absorption peak at 1,648 cm−1 exhibited the CN band. This CN band was formed from the bond of the epoxy group and the amine group in the WHF‐g‐epoxy‐(ethylene diamine) (WHF‐EED). The scanning electron microscopic morphology of LDPE/NR/WHF‐EED composites displayed rougher surfaces and less fiber pull, which improved the interfacial adhesion among the fiber/matrix. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 20:201–209, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers