Abstract

Abstract
Research on polymer-based composites reinforced with agro-waste fillers has been spurred by the growing demand of automotive industry for sustainable materials. The study focuses on the development of recycled high-density polyethylene (r-HDPE)/sugarcane bagasse ash particulate (SBAP) composite for automobile applications. The composite was prepared via melt mixing. Various weight fractions of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 % of SBAP were added to the r-HDPE matrix, with propylene glycol acting as a compatibilizer to enhance interfacial bonding. The composite was then evaluated for its density; mechanical and microstructural properties The findings reveal mild drop in impact energy with increased percentage SBAP. Furthermore, there is considerable increase in water absorption, hardness and flexural modulus with SBAP loading. Nonetheless, fluctuations were observed in tensile and flexural strength. The SEM images showed clear evidence of good interfacial adhesion between the SBAP surface and the polymer matrix. With values of 1.75 kJ/m (impact strength), 26.6 HV (hardness), 0.02 MPa (flexural modulus), and 29.78 MPa (tensile strength), the composite with 10% SBAP demonstrated the most balanced mechanical performance among the compositions with corresponding percent improvement of -34.7%, 65.2%, 100% and 592.6%. These values satisfied the mechanical requirements for automotive bumper applications as highlighted by FMVSS 581 (USA) and SAE J1625 standards.

Key words: : Recycle high density Polyethylene, Composite, Bagasse, Compatibilizer.