Structural Analysis and Mechanical Properties of Melt-processed Polyethylene Products Containing Micro-fibrillated Cellulose Fibers
Sekiguchi Yuta (1), Takarada Wataru (1)*, Kikutani Takeshi (1)
(1) Tokyo Institute of Technology - Tokyo - Japan
In this study, the structure and mechanical properties of micro-fibrillated cellulose fiber -reinforced polyethylene
(CeFRP) products prepared via melt processing were investigated. The CeFRP was prepared through the Reactive
micro-Fibrillation Extrusion (RFE) Process in which high density polyethylene (HDPE) mixed with wood pulp
was kneaded and compounded using a twin-screw extruder to nano-fibrillate and nano-disperse the wood pulp.
WAXD measurement of the injection molded products revealed that molecular orientation of the HDPE in the core
part was improved while that in the skin part was suppressed for CeFRP, which influenced the mechanical
properties. Structural analyses also revealed that the orientation distribution of cellulose was homogeneous
throughout the thickness of composite.