Thermal-mechanical properties of bamboo charcoal/recycled low-density polyethylene composites

• Published in: Polymer Engineering and Science
• Main Author: Liew F.K.; Tan C.S.Y.; Liew Y.L.; Chang R.Y.H.; Phang T.S.; Hamdan S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: John Wiley and Sons Inc 2024
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85192814824&doi=10.1002%2fpen.26785&partnerID=40&md5=37663556804684da90bebd6e47fee14b

Bamboo fiber has garnered considerable attention owing to its high specific strength and renewability. However, the hydrophilic nature of the material must be carefully managed to create a bamboo composite with usable thermal-mechanical properties. Herein, the NaOH-treated bamboo fiber (particle size ≤200 μm) was used to produce bamboo charcoal (BC). Then, recycled low-density polyethylene containing BC composites was fabricated by varying the BC composition (between 2 and 8 wt%). Effects of different BC wt% in the BC/recycled low-density polyethylene composites (denoted as xBCPE, where x indicates BC wt% in the composites) were analyzed for tensile strength, morphology, and thermal properties. In addition, the water absorption capacities of the BCPE composites were compared. These xBCPE composites showed excellent thermal stability and low water absorption properties. Therefore, they are potential candidate materials for electrical device packaging with partial degradability. Highlights: Bamboo charcoal (BC) was prepared via low-temperature pyrolysis of alkaline-treated bamboo fiber. BC displayed strong interfacial interaction with recycled low-density polyethylene. Proportion of BC on the composite properties was investigated and furnished. The xBCPE composites demonstrate low water absorption and excellent thermal stability. The reinforced composite (4BCPE) shows great promise as a functional material. © 2024 Society of Plastics Engineers.