Abstract
Coir and abaca fiberโreinforced linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) composites (30 wt% fiber) were prepared by compression molding. Coir and abaca fibers were treated with methyl methacrylate (MMA) using ultraviolet radiation to improve the mechanical properties of the composites. Concentration of MMA and radiation dose was optimized. It was found that 30% MMA in methanol along with photoinitiator Darocurโ1173 (2%) and 15th pass of radiation rendered better performance. Chemically treated fiberโreinforced specimens yielded better mechanical properties compared to the untreated composites, whereas coir fiber composites had better mechanical properties than abaca fiber reinforced ones. For the improvement of the properties, optimized coir (coir fiber treated with 30% MMA) and abaca (abaca fiber treated with 40% MMA) fibers were again treated with aqueous starch solution (2%โ8%, w/w) for 2โ7 min. Composites made of 3%โstarchโtreated coir fiber (5 min soaking time) showed the best mechanical properties than that of abacaโfiberโbased composites. Water uptake and soil degradation tests of the composites were also performed. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. ยฉ 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers