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Abstract
The objective of the research work in this thesis is to implement the use of
natural fibers of agriculture residuals in the production of polymeric matrix
composites materials. Improving the mechanical properties in order to
expand their domain of applications. The mechanical properties of low and
high density polyethylene (LDPE&HDPE) reinforced with three different
types of natural fibers (cotton stalk, rice straw and sugarcane) were
investigated. Treatments were made to improve the mechanical properties of
the polymeric composite by improving the interface between the natural
fibers and low and high density polyethylene matrices. Fibers treatment was
carried out by using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) with different concentrations
1, 2, 5 and 10 % for different holding times 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours at room
temperature. Matrix treatment was carried out by adding MAPE to the
polymeric matrices with 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 wt% of fibers weight content to
improve the interface between the natural fibers and polymeric matrices. The
effect of treatment methods on wetting between fibers and low and high
density polyethylene matrices were also analyzed. The effect of fiber content
on the mechanical properties of the polymeric composite was studied at
different fiber contents of 5%, 10%, 20%, and 30% weight percentage. The
composite materials were produced in two steps. First matrix and fiber were
mixed in a thermal mixer, second step the mixed matrix and fibers were
pressed in square die by using a hydraulic press. The effect of fiber mesh
size on the mechanical properties of the composite was also studied. The
fracture surfaces were observed and studied by using SEM in order to study
the wetting between natural fibers and matrices. Matrix treatment has high
effect on the mechanical tensile properties while, fibers treatments has
limited effect. Matrix and fibers treatment improve the interface between
matrix and fiber which leads to better mechanical properties.