Mechanical and thermal properties of recycled polyethylene/surface treated hemp fiber bio-composites

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Abstract Hemp is a good option for polyethylene additives because of its high cellulose and fibrous content. This study aims to modify natural hemp fibers with the maleic anhydride/ionic liquid method, manufacture the composites, and compare the thermal and mechanical properties of natural hemp fiber and hemp cellulose. In this study recycled polyethylene as a binder, and filling ratios between 0 and 50 (wt/wt)% are investigated as a parameter. Differential scanning calorimeter and thermomechanical analysis were performed, and it was determined that the coefficient of thermal expansion from 973 to 147 ppm/K. It was determined that the strength of composite materials obtained from cellulose fibers with maleic anhydride/liquid ionic modification improved by around 20% from 19.5 to 24.4 MPa. In addition, as a result of scanning electron microscope analyses performed on the fractured surfaces, it was determined that the pressure, temperature, and time were suitable for producing composite materials. This work shows the potential of recycled polyethylene/hemp composites as a sustainable green material with simple fabrication procedure and useful mechanical and thermal properties.