Effect of Sodium Hydroxide Treatment on the Mechanical Properties of Crushed and Uncrushed Luffa cylindrica Fibre Reinforced rLDPE Composites

Sustainability and eco-friendly requirement of
engineering materials are sort for in recent times, thus giving rise to
the development of bio-composites. However, the natural fibres to
matrix interface interactions remain a key issue in getting the desired
mechanical properties from such composites. Treatment of natural
fibres is essential in improving matrix to filler adhesion, hence
improving its mechanical properties. In this study, investigations
were carried out to determine the effect of sodium hydroxide
treatment on the tensile, flexural, impact and hardness properties of
crushed and uncrushed Luffa cylindrica fibre reinforced recycled low
density polyethylene composites. The LC (Luffa cylindrica) fibres
were treated with 0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10% wt. sodium
hydroxide (NaOH) concentrations for a period of 24 hours under
room temperature conditions. A formulation ratio of 80/20 g (matrix
to reinforcement) was maintained for all developed samples. Analysis
of the results showed that the uncrushed luffa fibre samples gave
better mechanical properties compared with the crushed luffa fibre
samples. The uncrushed luffa fibre composites had a maximum
tensile and flexural strength of 7.65 MPa and 17.08 Mpa respectively
corresponding to a young modulus and flexural modulus of 21.08
MPa and 232.22 MPa for the 8% and 4% wt. NaOH concentration
respectively. Results obtained in the research showed that NaOH
treatment with the 8% NaOH concentration improved the mechanical
properties of the LC fibre reinforced composites when compared with
other NaOH treatment concentration values.

• Paschal A. Ubi
• Salawu Abdul Rahman Asipita

• Flexural strength
• LC fibres
• LC/rLDPE composite
• Tensile strength.

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