Tensile and flammability characterizations of corn straw slagging/high-density polyethylene composites

Abstract

Biocomposites were prepared with corn straw slagging (CSS) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) at four loading levels (10, 20, 30, and 40 wt%) by extrusion method. CSS/HDPE composites were tested by tension, oxygen index meter, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, and the scanning electron microscopy. The scanning electron microscopy showed that CSS was dispersed uniformly in the HDPE matrix and strong interfacial interaction was achieved, which had an important influence on the tensile strength of the composites. The tensile strength of the composites could be improved with proper increase of CSS and reached maximum value at 30 wt% content. Furthermore, the addition of CSS played an important role in improving the flame-retardant ability of CSS/HDPE composites, and the limited oxygen index was 31.26% at 40 wt% content, good flame-retardant effect achieved.