Effect of particle size, fiber content, and surface treatment on the mechanical properties of maple-reinforced LLDPE produced by rotational molding

In this work, composites based on linear low-density polyethylene and maple wood fibers with and without surface treatment with maleated polyethylene (MAPE) were prepared by dry blending, followed by rotomolding to study the effect of particle size, fiber content, and surface treatment. From the samples produced, a complete characterization of the morphological and mechanical properties was performed. The results obtained showed that MAPE surface treatment improved the fiber–matrix interface quality, which improved the homogeneity, the thermal stability, and the mechanical properties of the composites. The results showed that the effect of particle size was significant as the tensile modulus increased by 7%, 40%, and 73% for 125–250, 250–355, and 355–500 µm at 30 wt% of maple fibers. The tensile strength also increased by 114% at the same fiber loading (30 wt%) when the particle size increased from 125–250 µm to 355–500 μm. Finally, the impact strength with 355–500 µm particles was 52% higher than for 125–250 µm particles at 30 wt%