Investigating the Effects of Acetylation Treatment on the Mechanical and Morphological Properties of Bagasse Filled low Density Polyethylene Composites

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of acetylation treatments on the mechanical and thermal properties of bagasse filler low density polyethylene composites (LDPEC). The treated bagasse filler LDPEC exhibited improved flexural strength, tensile strength, impact strength, and water absorption resistance compared to non-treated LDPEC. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed enhanced interfacial bonding and filler dispersion in the treated LDPEC. Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) showed improved storage modulus and loss modulus values for treated PEC. The results demonstrate that acetylation treatment of bagasse filler can significantly enhance the mechanical and thermal properties of LDPEC such as in flexural strength 4.1Mpa to 6.9Mpa for 10% filler loading 5.7Mpa to 7.3Mpa for 20% filler loading and 6.9Mpa to 9.4Mpa , and tensile strength (2.5 to 2.8, 3.1 to 4.6, 4.7 to 6.9)Mpa for NTBFPEC to ACTBFPEC making them suitable for various engineering applications.