Mechanical Strength Optimization of HDPE Biocomposite with Water Hyacinth Fiber Reinforcement using a Dispersing Agent
Received: 5 November 2024 | Revised: 24 December 2024 | Accepted: 29 December 2024 | Online: 2 February 2025
Corresponding author: Wijang Wisnu Raharjo
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of a polyamine amides dispersing agent (BYK W-980) on the mechanical performance of the High-Density Polyethylene/Water Hyacinth Fiber (HDPE)/(WHF) composites. The dispersing agent was employed to improve the fiber distribution, enhance the fiber-matrix interaction, and reduce the fiber agglomeration, which negatively affects the mechanical properties of the composite. The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that the dispersing agent, particularly DA2, effectively minimized fiber agglomeration and promoted a more uniform fiber distribution within the HDPE matrix. The density testing indicated a reduction in porosity and an increase in composite density following the dispersing agent treatment. The mechanical testing demonstrated significant improvements with DA2 yielding the optimal results: a 19.54% increase in tensile strength, a 24.33% increase in flexural modulus, and an 18.53% increase in impact strength. The X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis showed an increase in the crystallinity index of the WHF, suggesting enhanced structural regularity, which supported the observed improvements in mechanical performance. Overall, the utilization of the polyamine amides dispersing agent, particularly DA2, significantly enhanced the mechanical properties and fiber-matrix interaction of the HDPE/WHF composites.
Keywords:
composite, dispersing agent, water hyacinth, HDPE, crystallinity, mechanical performanceDownloads
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