Effect of [C2mim][OTf] ionic liquid on tensile properties of HDPE/KCF biocomposites: a primary research

• Main Authors: Shamsuri, Ahmad Adlie, Mat Darus, Siti Atiqa Al Zahra
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Sciencedomain International 2020
• Online Access: http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/88560/1/ABSTRACT.pdf; http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/88560/; https://www.journalajacr.com/index.php/AJACR/article/view/30153

In this primary research, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate ionic liquid ([C2mim][OTf]) was added to the high-density polyethylene/kenaf core fiber (HDPE/KCF) biocomposites by using an internal mixer at 150°C, followed by compression molding at the same temperature. The [C2mim][OTf] contents were varied from 0 to 10wt.%. The tensile properties of the prepared biocomposites have been determined by using a universal testing machine. The tensile results of the HDPE/KCF biocomposites indicated that the tensile strength and tensile modulus have decreased with the addition of [C2mim][OTf]. However, the presence of [C2mim][OTf] has significantly increased the tensile extension at break of the biocomposites. This research concluded that the addition of [C2mim][OTf] at the lower content (≈ 10wt.%) could act as a plasticizer for improving the flexibility of HDPE/KCF biocomposites.