The Influence of Filler Concentrations and Processing Parameters on the Mechanical Properties of Uncompatibilized CS/HDPE Biocomposites

Lignocellulose fillers, like cotton stalks, provide a stiffness that enhances the mechanical properties of composites. However, finding an appropriate filler loading for optimizing the mechanical performance of biocomposites remains a challenge, as there are disparities in the optimum filler loadings found in previous studies concerning the use of cotton stalk as a filler in biocomposite manufacturing. Therefore, the need for further investigations is of prime importance. Cotton-stalk-filler-reinforced high-density polyethylene (CS/HDPE) biocomposites were fabricated with different weight proportions (10-50 wt%) of the cotton stalk filler with particle size distributions 425 to 53 mu m. The biocomposites were prepared using an extrusion process with a twin-screw extruder followed by compression molding in an electrically heated platen press. Results showed that the composite reinforced with 50 wt% filler gave the optimum values of tensile and flexural moduli.