Processability investigation on underlying mechanism of LLDPE-based rotationally moulded banana fibre biocomposites

Abstract

Rotational moulding is a plastic manufacturing technique primarily used to create hollow items without stress. In the current work, the banana fibre in powder form is combined with linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) at concentrations ranging from 5% to 40% by weight. Several tests, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), melt flow index (MFI), water absorption, and differential scanning calorimetry, were carried out for three samples for each percentage and the average of those samples has been considered to support the requirements of processability for rotational moulding. The significance of LLDPE and banana fibre peaks can be seen in the 5–30 wt. % range, according to FTIR. The MFI test followed by FTIR results conferred a flow-ability ranging between 3.022 and 3.5 g/10 min for 5 to 15 wt.% which is considered to be appropriate. A water absorption test was conducted from 5 to 15 wt.% for the blend, it is observed as fibre content increases water absorption increases. Based on the analysis 15 wt. % sample has been discarded noting a high absorption rate of 7 wt. %. From the thermal analysis, the crystallisation temperature of 5% and 10% LLDPE/banana blend was found to be 110.20°C and 111.08°C, making it suitable for rotomouldability. From the testing results, it can be inferred that a banana fibre concentration of 10 wt. % or less in LLDPE is the optimal range for producing a blend with better processability for rotational moulding.