Processing and characterization of reinforced polyethylene composites made with lignocellulosic fibers from Egyptian agro-industrial residues

Lignocellulosic fibers were extracted from Egyptian industrial crops, viz. cotton stalk, rice straw, bagasse, and banana plant waste. The chemical composition of these fibers was determined. Composite materials were processed from these natural lignocellulosic fibers using low density polyethylene and acid stearic as compatibilizer, or maleated low density polyethylene. The thermal and mechanical properties were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and tensile tests, respectively. The morphology of processed composites was studied by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). Better compatibility and enhanced mechanical properties were obtained when using maleated LDPE as compatibilizer. The chemical composition of fibers, in terms of lignin, cellulose and hemicelluloses contents, was found to have a strong influence on the mechanical properties of the composites.