Treatment of hemp fibres for use in rotational moulding

The benefit of using alkali-treated hemp fibre as the reinforcement for rotationally moulded polyethylene composites was evaluated in this research. Untreated and were characterised different techniques such scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). These showed that alkali treatment removed non-cellulosic components from fibres, which improved their separation resistance. Composites with resisted exposure to elevated temperatures prolonged periods (characteristic rotational moulding process) no apparent signs degradation, unlike when untreated used. effect maleic anhydride grafted (MAPE) a coupling agent also investigated. addition 3 wt% MAPE properties tensile strength Young's modulus treated fibre, attributed better fibre-matrix adhesion. Different contents assessed research produce composites; poor distribution observed above 5 content, resulted low modulus.