Composite Molded Products Based on Recycled Thermoplastics and Waste Cellulosics. II. Kenaf Fiber-Recycled PE Composites

The mechanical properties and dimensional stability of kenaf fiber-filled recycled polyethylene (PE) composites have been evaluated at room temperature and after immersion in boiling water. The effects of levels of kenaf fiber and modified polyethylenes, as the coupling agents, on the performance of the composites have been discussed. Maleated PE offered best balance in mechanical properties and dimensional stability compared to those of chlorinated PE and chlorosulphonated PE. The variations in properties with change in concentrations of fiber and a coupling agent (i.e., chlorinated PE) have been statistically analyzed based on an empirical quadratic model. Good correlations of the experimental data for the physico-mechanical properties were obtained.