Investigation of the effect of compatibilization of oxidized polypropylene in molten phase on the mechanical, physical, and morphological properties of reed plant flour-high density polyethylene composite

This study aimed to investigate the possibility of making reed plant flour-high density polyethylene composite usingoxidized poly-propylene as a compatibilizer. For this purpose, reed plant flour, high density polyethylene, and oxidizedpoly-propylene compatibilizer in the specified value were mixed into the internal mixer for 6 min and after that, theresulting amorphous materials turned to the granules using a laboratory mill. Finally, the granules turned to reed-plasticplates using a hot press. Mechanical tests such as bending and tensile resistances and their modulus and physicalproperties such as water absorption and thickness swelling in 2 and 24 h were measured. A fourier transform infraredspectroscopy machine was used to check the modification of oxidized poly-propylene and the morphology of thecomposites was studied by electron microscopy images. The results demonstrated that with increasing thecompatibilizer, the mechanical properties were linearly increased, while the water absorption and thickness swellingwere decreased. Electron microscopy images showed that improved adhesion at the interface between the reed plantflour and polymer fibers. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy also showed that due to the oxidation ofpolypropylene, hydrophilic regions are formed in it.