The effect of matrix composition on the properties of cellulosic fibers-polyethylene composites

The solution/precipitation method was used for the preparation of polyethylene (PE)/cellulosic fibers composites. Blends of modified linear low density PE [linear low density PE-grafted maleic anhydride (LLDPE-g-MAH)] with low density PE (LDPE) were used as matrices for the aforementioned composites. Blends of LDPE with a copolymer of LDPE and acrylic acid (AA)/n-butyl acrylate (n-BA) [(AA/n-BA)-LDPE] were also studied for the same purpose. The reinforcing effect of cellulosic fibers in terms of tensile strength is more enhanced when mixtures of the modified polar polymer with pure PE were used as matrices, as compared with that corresponding to matrices consisting of modified PE alone. Regarding the Izod impact strength, composites of LLDPE-g-MAH presented the best performance with an improvement of 135% in comparison with specimens consisting of LDPE matrix, whereas composites of (AA/n-BA)-LDPE matrix showed a modest improvement of their impact resistance. (c) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.