LAUSR

Flax fibre reinforced polyolefin composite is a great interest of today’s scientists. But the preparation of such composites with desired properties is a great challenge due to the dissimilar surface wettability (surface energy) of polyolefin and flax fibre. In this work, we have developed a linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE)/flax fibre based composite successfully. First, flax fibre is subjected to gamma radiation-assisted surface modification through covalent attachment of long chain hydrocarbon. Therefore, the surface wettability of flax fibre turns closer to that of LLDPE, and consequently a LLDPE/flax fibre composite with a strong interface is formed easily. Due to the designing of strong interface and consequently higher load transferring capability, properties are improved considerably. Young’s modulus and tensile strength values of composites with surface modified flax fibre become considerably higher compared to pure LLDPE and LLDPE/pure flax fibre composites. Strong reinforcement is reflected in the dynamic mechanical properties also. The highly improved dispersion and strong interfacial strength of LLDPE/modified flax fibre are observed in SEM (scanning electron microscopy). Thermal degradation temperatures of LLDPE and flax fibre are also improved in the composites.