Natural Fiber Thermoplastic Composites with Biodegradant and Fire Retardant Additives

Plastic disposal affects wildlife, food chain, groundwater, and air quality. Nowadays, people are more aware about the harmful effects of plastic waste. One of the most promising solutions is bioplastics. Bioplastics seem an attractive Eco-friendly alternative since they can easily degrade under certain conditions. Linear low-density polyethylene is loaded with 10, 20 and 30 weight % of fibers. Fibers are alkalinized, neutralized and then dried. The added amount of maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene coupling agent has a constant ratio of 6.7% in terms of the natural fibers. 3 wt.% of ferric stearate as prominent oxo-biodegradation agent is added as well. Up to 24 wt% ammonium polyphosphate is added as fire retardant constituent. Twenty-eight experiments are planned statistically. Mixing is carried out mechanically in a kneader at 180°C. Tests of ISO 527, 179, UL94 and ASTM D-578-90 are carried on the samples to investigate the mechanical properties, impact strength, flame retardance and water absorption behavior of the compounds after being shredded and molded into standard samples. The results show that the jute has better behavior on the mechanical properties as well as reduced water absorption with respect to the other fibers. Presence of flame retardance was superior for the corn silk composites but on the other hand they have high water absorption values. Jute composites show the least temperature to lose 5% weight, flame retardant addition cause slight increase in thermal stability, while long sugar cane fibers show the best thermal stability