Final product testing of rotational moulded natural fibre-reinforced polyethylene

The process of rotational moulding of natural fibre-reinforced polymers (NFRPs) has been developed recently at POLYCOM. This process allows for the use of discrete natural fibres as an efficient reinforcing agent for thermoplastic matrices. In this way, hollow objects with acceptable properties can be produced. The results from different experimental tests carried out on samples taken from rotomoulded cylinders are presented in this paper. Mechanical tests, such as tensile, compression, impact, deep drawing and recovery were performed in order to characterise unreinforced and reinforced natural fibre samples. Other properties, such as environmental stress cracking resistance (ESCR) and shrinkage were also assessed. The results obtained indicate that, in most cases, the properties of natural fibre-reinforced composites are superior to those of the unreinforced ones. In some cases, however, lower mechanical properties have been reported for the reinforced specimens. The testing methodology described here can be used to assess the properties of both reinforced and unreinforced rotomoulded products. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.