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Effect of maleic anhydride on the mechanical and thermal properties of hemp/high-density polyethylene green composites

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Abstract

In the present work, the effective use of polyethylene-grafted maleic anhydride (PE-g-MA) copolymer as a compatibilizer in high-density polyethylene composites containing 10–50 mass% hemp fibers was evaluated through mechanical and thermal properties measurements. The results revealed a significant reinforcement on the tensile strength of the composites as a consequence of the incorporation of the compatibilizer. Less pronounced effects were found on the elongation at break and impact strength of the composites. The notable enhancement of tensile strength on the compatibilized composites was related to the improved adhesion of hemp with the matrix in the presence of PE-g-MA, which was revealed through scanning electron microscopy observations. Furthermore, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses suggested that covalent bonding occurs between the fibers and the matrix in the highest PE-g-MA concentrations. Differential scanning calorimetry experiments revealed that the presence of compatibilizer increases the crystallinity of the composites. Thermogravimetry studies revealed that for low compatibilizer concentrations the thermal stability of the composites is further reduced, while for the highest concentration, when bonding occurs, it is enhanced. The biodegradation studies of all the composites revealed that the incorporation of compatibilizer enhances the stability of the composites, especially in the higher concentrations, and reduces their final residue.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the Greek National Competitiveness and Entrepreneurship Programme (National Strategic Reference Framework 2007–2013) and the European Regional Development Fund under the Project: New Lightweight and Nanotechnology Enhanced Bio-composites from Lignocellulosic Materials, No. 12CHN322.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Solid State Physics Section, Physics Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24, Thessaloniki, Greece

    Eleftheria Roumeli, Eleni Pavlidou & Konstantinos Chrissafis

  2. Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24, Thessaloniki, Greece

    Zoe Terzopoulou, Kostas Triantafyllidis & Dimitrios N. Bikiaris

  3. CHIMAR HELLAS SA, Sofouli 88, 551 31, Thessaloniki, Greece

    Electra Papadopoulou & Eleftheria Athanasiadou

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  1. Eleftheria Roumeli
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Roumeli, E., Terzopoulou, Z., Pavlidou, E. et al. Effect of maleic anhydride on the mechanical and thermal properties of hemp/high-density polyethylene green composites. J Therm Anal Calorim 121, 93–105 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10973-015-4596-y

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