Rotational molding of self‐hybrid composites based on linear low‐density polyethylene and maple fibers

In this study, the morphological, physical, and mechanical properties of maple fiber self‐hybrid composites reinforced linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) have been investigated for different concentration (10, 20, and 30%) and ratio (100/0, 75/25, 50/50, 25/75, and 0/100) of short (125–250 μm), medium (250–355 μm), and long (355–500 μm) fibers. Maple surface treatment with a coupling agent (maleated polyethylene, MAPE) was also investigated. The results show that surface treatment increased the tensile modulus and strength, and impact strength. Finally, the self‐hybrid composites gave better properties than single size fibers since a positive deviation from the linear law of mixture was observed, especially at 20% wt. For example, a 75/25 ratio of medium/short or long/short fibers produced a tensile modulus and tensile strength between 13% and 33% higher than composites formulated with a single fiber size. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:4094–4103, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers