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

• Published in: POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
• Main Authors: Liew, Fui Kiew; Tan, Cindy Soo Yun; Liew, Yit Lian; Chang, Robin Yee Hui; Phang, Tze Shing; Hamdan, Sinin
• Format: Article; Early Access
• Language: English
• Published: WILEY 2024
• Subjects: Engineering; Polymer Science
• Online Access: https://www-webofscience-com.uitm.idm.oclc.org/wos/woscc/full-record/WOS:001219443300001

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 mu m) 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.