Interface Strength and Fiber Content Influence on Corn Stover Fibers Reinforced Bio-Polyethylene Composites Stiffness

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Biocomposites

Background:

• Lightweight and sustainable materials are crucial for industrial applications.
• Bio-based composites offer potential for reduced environmental impact and structural use.
• Achieving comparable mechanical properties to conventional materials is a key challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the use of corn stover fibers as reinforcement in bio-polyethylene composites.
• To evaluate the effect of coupling agents on the fiber-matrix interface and composite properties.
• To determine the optimal coupling agent content for enhanced material performance.

Main Methods:

• Production and mechanical testing of composite materials with varying corn stover fiber content.
• Evaluation of coupling agent effects on material stiffness (Young's modulus) and processability.
• Micromechanical analysis to understand fiber orientation and morphology impacts.

Main Results:

• Coupling agent content significantly influenced composite stiffness and processability.
• Optimal performance was observed at 6% coupling agent content, yielding a Young's modulus of 4.61 GPa for 50% fiber loading.
• Micromechanics indicated fiber orientation's impact, with morphology having a lesser effect.

Conclusions:

• Corn stover fiber reinforced bio-polyethylene composites show promise for structural applications.
• Coupling agents are effective in improving the fiber-matrix interface, leading to enhanced mechanical properties.
• A triangular packing model is proposed for future research into composite structure.