Bending Mechanical Strength of Water Hyacinth Natural Fiber Composite with the Addition of Dispersion Agent
摘要
The abundant natural fiber from water hyacinth can be utilized to create composites with a thermoplastic matrix. The cellulose contained in the fiber is extracted and combined with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) thermoplastic, which has a low melting point that preserves the cellulose structure. The distribution of fibers within the matrix is enhanced by adding a dispersing agent, resulting in a composite with high bending strength. The natural fiber composite of water hyacinth with an HDPE matrix exhibits a bending strength of approximately 16.13 MPa. With the addition of 0.5% of dispersing agent, the bending strength increases to 18.89 MPa. This demonstrates that dispersing agents are effective in enhancing the bending strength of composites, showcasing the potential of water hyacinth fiber in sustainable material applications.