Mechanical properties of betel nut and glass fibre reinforced hybrid polyethylene composites

Abstract

This paper describes an investigation done on the mechanical properties of betel nut–glass fibre reinforced hybrid polyethylene composites by varying the fibre loading and ratio. By using the hot press method with four levels of fibre loading (5, 10, 15 and 20 wt%), different composites were manufactured. For the 20 wt% fibre-loaded composites, the fibre ratio was also varied (betel nut:glass = 1:1, 3:1 and 1:3). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic (FTIR) analysis and tensile, flexural and hardness tests were conducted for the characterisation of the composites. The FTIR analysis indicated the presence of hemicelluloses, lignin and moisture content in the prepared composites, which are liable to decrease tensile strength. As a result, the tensile strength decreased but Young’s modulus increased with fibre loading. On the other hand, flexural strength, flexural modulus and hardness increased with fibre loading. SEM analysis revealed the morphological characteristics of the fibre–polyethylene matrix. Above all, the composite containing 20 wt% fibre at a 1:3 ratio of betel nut and glass showed the highest mechanical properties (tensile, flexural and hardness).