Processing and Characterization of Short-Fiber Reinforced Jute/Poly Butylene Succinate Biodegradable Composites: The Effect of Weld-Line

Fabrication of complex injection molded parts often involves the use of multiple gates. In such situations, polymer melts from different gates meld to form the molded part (weld line). This paper reports on the fabrication and characterization of the mechanical and morphological properties of short fiber reinforced jute/poly butylene succinate (PBS) biodegradable composites. The effect of a dual gated mold in the fabrication of welded specimens was a key focus of the investigation. It was observed that incorporation of jute fiber (10 wt%) conferred drastic changes on the stress–strain properties of the matrix as the elongation at break (EB), dropped from 160% in the matrix to just 10% in the composite. The tensile strength of the composite was lower than that of the matrix. However, it is noteworthy that the tensile modulus of the composite increased. Bending test also revealed that both bending strength and modulus increased with the incorporation of jute. Morphological studies of the tensile fracture surface using SEM revealed two types of failure mode. Ductile failure was indicated by plastic deformation at the initiation of fracture followed by brittle failure. The good interfacial bonding indicated between jute and PBS was attributed to positive interaction between the two polar polymers. A comparison of the non-weld and weld-line samples revealed that the weld-line composites have better mechanical integrity than the corresponding polymer matrix with weld line. The results also revealed that elongation at break and toughness are most sensitive to the presence of the weld-line whereas flexural properties are least sensitive.     

Hybrid Composites from Waste Materials

Hybrid composites of thermoplastic biofiber reinforced with waste newspaper fiber (NF) and poplar wood flour (WF) were prepared. The weight ratio of the lignocellulosic materials to polymer was 30:70 (w:w). Polypropylene (PP) and maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAPP) were also used as the polymer matrix and coupling agent, respectively. The mechanical properties, morphology and thermal properties were investigated. The obtained results showed that tensile and flexural modulus of the composites were significantly enhanced with addition of biofibers in both types (fiber and flour), as compared with pure PP. However, the increasing in WF content substantially reduced the tensile, flexural and impact modulus, but improved the thermal stability. This effect is explained by variations in fiber morphological properties and thermal degradation. Increasing fiber aspect ratio improved mechanical properties. The effect of fiber size on impact was minimal compared to the effects of fiber content. Scanning electron microscopy has shown that the composite, with coupling agent, promotes better fiber–matrix interaction. The largest improvement on the thermal stability of hybrid composites was achieved when WF was added more. In all cases, the degradation temperatures shifted to higher values after addition of MAPP. This work clearly showed that biofiber materials in both forms of fiber and flour could be effectively used as reinforcing elements in thermoplastic PP matrix.     

Comparison of Polylactic Acid/Kenaf and Polylactic Acid/Rise Husk Composites: The Influence of the Natural Fibers on the Mechanical, Thermal and Biodegradability Properties

This paper investigates and compares the performances of polylactic acid (PLA)/kenaf (PLA-K) and PLA/rice husk (PLA-RH) composites in terms of biodegradability, mechanical and thermal properties. Composites with natural fiber weight content of 20% with fiber sizes of less than 100 μm were produced for testing and characterization. A twin-screw extrusion was used to compound PLA and natural fibers, and extruded composites were injection molded to test samples. Flexural and Izod impact test, TGA, soil burial test and SEM were used to investigate properties. All results were compared to a pure PLA matrix sample. The flexural modulus of the PLA increased with the addition of natural fibers, while the flexural strength decreased. The highest impact strength (34 J m⁻¹), flexural modulus (4.5 GPa) and flexural strength (90 MPa) were obtained for the composite made of PLA/kenaf (PLA-K), which means kenaf natural fibers are potential to be used as an alternative filler to enhance mechanical properties. On the other hand PLA-RH composite exhibits lower mechanical properties. The impact strength of PLA has decreased when filled with natural fibers; this decrease is more pronounced in the PLA-RH composite. In terms of thermal stability it has been found that the addition of natural fibers decreased the thermal stability of virgin PLA and the decrement was more prominent in the PLA-RH composite. Biodegradability of the composites slightly increased and reached 1.2 and 0.8% for PLA-K and PLA-RH respectively for a period of 90 days. SEM micrographs showed poor interfacial between the polymer matrix and natural fibers.     

Biodegradable Polyester-Based Blend Reinforced with Curauá Fiber: Thermal,Mechanical and Biodegradation Behaviour

Biodegradable composites can be produced by the combination of biodegradable polymers (BP) as matrix and vegetal fibers as reinforcement. Composites of a commercial biodegradable polymer blend and curauá fibers (loaded at 5, 15 and 20 wt%) were prepared by melt mixing in a twin-screw extruder. Chemical treatments such as alkali treatment of the fiber and addition of maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MA-g-PP) as coupling agent were performed to promote polymer/fiber interfacial adhesion so that mechanical performance can be improved. The resulting composites were evaluated through hardness, melt flow index and tensile, flexural and impact strengths as well as water absorption. Thermal analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were also employed to characterize the composites. The polymer/fiber interface was investigated through scanning electron microscopy analysis. The biodegradability of composites was evaluated by compost-soil burial test. The addition of curauá fiber promoted an increase in the mechanical strengths and composites treated with 2 wt% MA-g-PP with 20 wt% curauá fiber showed an increase of nearly 75% in tensile and 56% in flexural strengths besides an improvement in impact strength with respect to neat polymer blend. Nevertheless, treated composites showed an increase in water absorption and biodegradation tests showed that the addition of fiber retards degradation time. The retained mass of BP/20 wt% fiber composite with MA-g-PP and neat BP was 68 and 26%, respectively, after 210 days of degradation test.     

Mechanical Properties of Poly (Lactic Acid)/Hemp Fiber Composites Prepared with a Novel Method

This research dealt with a novel method of fabricating green composites with biodegradable poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and natural hemp fiber. The new preparation method was that hemp fibers were firstly blending-spun with a small amount of PLA fibers to form compound fiber pellets, and then the traditional twin-screw extruding and injection-molding method were applied for preparing the composites containing 10–40 wt% hemp fibers with PLA pellets and compound fiber pellets. This method was very effective to control the feeding and dispersing of fibers uniformly in the matrix thus much powerful for improving the mechanical properties. The tensile strength and modulus were improved by 39 and 92 %, respectively without a significant decrease in elongation at break, and the corresponding flexural strength and modulus of composites were also improved by 62 and 90 %, respectively, when the hemp fiber content was 40 wt%. The impact strength of composite with 20 wt% hemp fiber was improved nearly 68 % compared with the neat PLA. The application of the silane coupling agent promoted further the mechanical properties of composites attributed to the improvement of interaction between fiber and resin matrix.     

Processing and mechanical properties of biodegradable Poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate)-starch compositions

Poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate) (PHBV) is a completely biodegradable thermoplastic polyester produced by microbial fermentation. The current market price of PHBV is significantly higher than that of commodity plastics such as polyethylene and polystyrene. It is therefore desirable to develop low-cost PHBV based materials to improve market opportunities for PHBV. We have produced low-cost environmentally compatible materials by blending PHBV with granular starch and environmentally benign CaCO₃. Such materials can be used for specific applications where product biodegradability is a key factor and where certain mechanical properties can be compromised at the expense of lower cost. The inclusion of granular starch (25 wt%) and CaCO₃ (10 wt%) in a PHBV matrix (8% HV, 5% plasticizer) reduces the cost by approximately 40% and has a tensile strength of 16 MPa and flexural modulus of 2.0 Gpa, while the unfilled PHBV/plasticizer matrix has a tensile strength of 27 MPa and a flexural modulus of 1.6 GPa.Paper presented at the Bio/Environmentally Degradable Polymer Society—Third National Meeting, June 6–8, 1994, Boston, Massachusetts.The mention of firm names or trade products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture over other firms or similar products not mentioned.     

Compatibilization Improves Performance of Biodegradable Biopolymer Composites Without Affecting UV Weathering Characteristics

With growing interest in the use of eco-friendly composite materials, biodegradable polymers and composites from renewable resources are gaining popularity for use in commercial applications. However, the long-term performance of these composites and the effect of compatibilization on their weathering characteristics are unknown. In this study, five types of biodegradable biopolymer/wood fiber (WF) composites were compatibilized with maleic anhydride (MA), and the effect of accelerated UV weathering on their performance was evaluated against composites without MA and neat biopolymers. The composite samples were prepared with 30 wt% wood fiber and one of the five biodegradable biobased polymer: poly(lactic) acid (PLA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), Bioflex (PLA blend), or Solanyl (starch based). Neat and composite samples were UV weathered for 2000 h (hours), and characterized for morphological, physical, thermal, and mechanical properties before and after weathering. Compared to composites without MA, composites containing MA grafted polymers exhibited improved properties due to increased interfacial adhesion between the fiber and matrix. Upon accelerated weathering, thermal and mechanical properties of 70% of the samples substantially decreased. Surfaces of all the samples were roughened, and drastic color changes were observed. Water absorption of all the samples increased after weathering exposure. Even though the compatibilization is shown to improve composite properties before weathering, it did not affect weathering of samples, as there were no considerable differences in properties exhibited by the composites with MA and without MA after weathering. The results suggest that compatibilization improves properties of biodegradable biobased composites without affecting its UV degradation properties.     

Processing and Morphology Impacts on Mechanical Properties of Fungal Based Biopolymer Composites

Fungal based biopolymer matrix composites with lignocellulosic agricultural waste as the filler are a viable alternative for some applications of synthetic polymers. This research provides insight into the impact of the processing method and composition of agriwaste/fungal biopolymer composites on structure and mechanical properties. The impact of nutrition during inoculation and after a homogenization step on the three-point bend flexural modulus and strength was determined. Increasing supplemental nutrition at inoculation had little effect on the overall composite strength or modulus; however, increasing carbohydrate loading after a homogenization step increased flexural stress at yield and bulk flexural modulus. The contiguity of the network formed was notably higher in the latter scenario, suggesting that the increase in modulus and strength of the final composite after homogenization was the result of contiguous hyphal network formation, which improves the integrity of the matrix and the ability to transfer load to the filler particles.     

Natural Fiber Reinforced Poly(vinyl chloride) Composites: Effect of Fiber Type and Impact Modifier

Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and natural fiber composites were prepared by melt compounding and compression molding. The influence of fiber type (i.e., bagasse, rice straw, rice husk, and pine fiber) and loading level of styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) block copolymer on composite properties was investigated. Mechanical analysis showed that storage modulus and tensile strength increased with fiber loading at the 30% level for all composites, but there was little difference in both properties among the composites from various fiber types. The use of SEBS decreased storage moduli, but enhanced tensile strength of the composites. The addition of fiber impaired impact strength of the composites, and the use of SEBS led to little change of the property for most of the composites. The addition of fiber to PVC matrix increased glass transition temperature (T_g), but lowered degradation temperature (T_d) and thermal activation energy (E_a). After being immersed in water for four weeks, PVC/rice husk composites presented relatively smaller water absorption (WA) and thickness swelling (TS) rate compared with other composites. The results of the study demonstrate that PVC composites filled with agricultural fibers had properties comparable with those of PVC/wood composite.     

Processing and characterization of a new biodegradable composite made of a PHB/V matrix and regenerated cellulosic fibers

In this study, a biodegradable composite consisting of a degradable continuous cellulosic fiber and a degradable polymer matrix—poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)-co-poly(3-hydroxyvalerate (PHB/V with 19% HV)—was developed. The composite was processed by impregnating the cellulosic fibers on-line withPHB/V powder in a fluidization chamber. The impregnated roving was then filament wound on a plate and hot-pressed. The resulting unidirectional composite plates were mechanically tested and optically characterized by SEM. The fiber content was 9.9 ±0.9 vol% by volumetric determination. The fiber content predicted by the rule of mixture for unidirectional composites was 13.8 ±1.4 vol%. Optical characterization showed that the fiber distribution was homogeneous and a satisfactory wetting of the fibers by the matrix was achieved. Using a blower to remove excess matrix powder during processing increased the fiber content to 26.5 ±3.3 vol % (volumetric) or 30.0 ±0.4 vol% (rule of mixture). The tensile strength of the composite parallel to the fiber direction was 128 ±12 MPa (10 vol% fiber) up to 278 ±48 MPa (26.5 vol% fiber), compared to 20 MPa for the PHB/V matrix. The Young’s modulus was 5.8 ±0.5 GPa (10 vol% fiber) and reached 11.4 ±0.14 GPa (26.5 vol% fiber), versus 1 GPa for the matrix.     

Properties of Distillers Grains Composites: A Preliminary Investigation

Interest in renewable biofuel sources has intensified in recent years, leading to greatly increased production of ethanol and its primary coproduct, Distillers Dried Grain with Solubles (DDGS). Consequently, the development of new outlets for DDGS has become crucial to maintaining the economic viability of the industry. In light of these developments, this preliminary study aimed to determine the suitability of DDGS for use as a biofiller in low-cost composites that could be produced by rapid prototyping applications. The effects of DDGS content, particle size, curing temperature, and compression on resulting properties, such as flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, water activity, and color were evaluated for two adhesive bases. The composites formed with phenolic resin glue were found to be greatly superior to glue in terms of mechanical strength and durability: resin-based composites had maximum fiber stresses of 150–380 kPa, while glue composites had values between 6 kPa and 35 kPa; additionally, glue composites experienced relatively rapid microbial growth. In the resin composites, both decreased particle size and increased compression resulted in increased mechanical strength, while a moderate DDGS content was found to increase flexural strength but decrease Young’s modulus. These results indicate that DDGS has the potential to be used in resin glue-based composites to both improve flexural strength and improve potential biodegradability.     

Soil Biodegradation of PHBV/Peach Palm Particles Biocomposites

There is great interest in developing eco-friendly green biocomposites from plant-derived natural fibers and crop-derived bioplastics attributable to their renewable resource-based origin and biodegradable nature. Fully biodegradable composites, made from both biodegradable polymeric matrices and natural fibers, should be advantageous in some applications, such as one way packaging. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are naturally occurring biodegradable polymers produced from a wide range of microorganisms, with poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) P(3HB) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) being important examples of PHAs. In this work, biocomposites of PHBV consisting of a PHBV matrix incorporating peach palm particles (PPp), [i.e., 100/0, 90/10, 80/20 and 75/25 (%w/w) PHBV/PPp] were processed by injection molding at 160 °C. The effect of PPp loading on the thermal and the mechanical properties, as well as on the morphological behavior of the PHBV/PPp biocomposites was investigated. Soil biodegradation tests were carried out by burying specimen beakers containing aged soil and kept under controlled temperature and humidity in accordance with ASTM G160-98. Degradation of the biocomposites was evaluated by visual analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) following test exposures of up to 5 months. The addition of PPp reduced the maximum strength and the elongation at break of the biocomposites. On the other hand, the Young’s modulus improved with the PPp content. Micrographs of the fracture surfaces following tensile strength testing revealed a large distance between the PHBV matrix and PPp particles although a low interaction is expected. Where measured, these distances tended increase as the PPp content of the biocomposites increased. Soil biodegradation tests indicated that the biocomposites degraded faster than the neat polymer due to the presence of cavities that resulted from introduction of the PPp and that degradation increased with increasing PPp content. These voids allowed for enhanced water adsorption and greater internal access to the soil-borne degrader microorganisms.     

Mechanical Properties of Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) Filled Engineering Thermoplastic Composites

In this study, engineering thermoplastic composites were prepared from microcrystalline cellulose (MCC)-filled nylon 6. MCC were added to nylon 6 using melt mixing to produce compounded pellets. The MCC-filled nylon 6 composites with varying concentrations of MCC (from 2.5 to 30 wt%) were prepared by injection molding. The tensile and flexural properties of the nylon 6 composites were increased significantly with the addition of MCC. The maximum strength and modulus of elasticity for the nylon 6 composites were achieved at a MCC weight fraction of 20 %. The Izod impact strength of composites decreased with the incorporation of MCC without any surface treatments and coupling agent. This observation is quite expected for filled polymer systems and has been commonly observed. There was a strong correlation between density and tensile (r = 0.94) and flexural modulus of elasticity (r = 0.9). MCC filled composites manufactured by injection method had highly uniform density distribution through their thickness. The higher mechanical results with lower density demonstrate that MCC can be used as a sufficient reinforcing material for low cost, eco-friendly composites in the automotive industry especially for under-the-hood applications (engine covers, intake manifolds and radiator end tanks) as well as in other applications such as the building and construction industries, packaging, consumer products etc.     

Effect of Surface Treatment on Betel Nut (Areca catechu) Fiber in Polypropylene Composite

Betel nut fiber (Bn)/polypropylene (PP) composites were prepared in the different ratio of 10:90, 20:80, 30:70, 40:60 (Bn wt%:PP wt%) using extruding and hot press moulding technique. From the results, it can be inferred that Bn30:PP70 mixture composite (BnPP) showed better performance among the composites prepared. For further improvement, betel nut fiber was subjected to detergent wash as well as alkali treatment for composite preparation. This work investigated the tensile strength, bending strength, tensile modulus, bending modulus, elongation at break and impact strength of the composites. Fracture morphology of the composite as well as the water absorption capacity has been monitored.     

Effect of High Content of Deinking Paper Sludge (DPS) on the Reinforcement of HDPE

Deinking paper sludge (DPS)/high density polyethylene (HDPE) composites with and without coupling agent (3 % of maleated polyethylene (MAPE)) were manufactured by twin-screw extrusion followed by injection molding with high percentages of DPS (0, 20, 30 and 40 %). The effects of DPS content and MAPE on the mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of the DPS/HDPE composites were investigated. Increasing DPS content in composites increased the tensile and flexural modulus (E; MOE), tensile and flexural strength (Rm; MOR), while decreased elongation at break and Un-notched impact resistance due to a poor adhesion between the DPS and HDPE. The addition of DPS also improved the thermal stability and increased the composites crystallinity. High content of DPS (40 %) and 3 % MAPE achieved good interfacial adhesion between fibres of DPS and HDPE. Therefore, an increase is observed for Rm, MOR, ductility, and impact toughness.     

Mechanical,Morphological and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis of Pineapple Leaf/Washingtonia Trunk Fibres Based Biophenolic Hybrid Composites

In this article, flexural, impact and dynamic mechanical properties of the Pineapple leaf fibres (PALF) and Washingtonia trunk fibres (GW) based bio-phenolic hybrid composites were examined. The pure and hybrid composites were fabricated using the hand lay-up technique with an overall fibre weight ratio of 50% in which GW and PALF were maintained in the fibre weight ratios of 50:50, 30:70, and 70:30 denoted as 1G1P, 3G7P, and 7G3P, respectively. Hybrid composites displayed better flexural strength, flexural modulus and impact strength than the GW composites and better viscoelastic properties than the PALF composites. Results revealed that 1G1P hybrid composites exhibited 25% and 12% improvements in flexural strength and modulus compared to the GW composites. 3P7K composites showed a twofold increase in impact strength than GW composites. The storage modulus of the pure and hybrid composites declined rapidly beyond the glass transition temperature. Furthermore, it was observed that the values of storage modulus for all the composites at 150 °C were similar regardless of the composite configuration. The Peak of loss modulus was found to increase in the following order: GW?>?7G3P?>?3G7P?>?1G1P?>?PALF. Furthermore, the temperature at the peak tan delta was improved, and a reduction in the tan delta peak was observed for hybrid composites compared to the pure composites. Finally, the PALF and GW hybrid combinations can be suitable for use in various applications such as textiles, machinery part production industries, medicine, automobiles, etc.

     

Analysis of Flax and Cotton Fiber Fabric Blends and Recycled Polyethylene Composites

Manufacturing composites with polymers and natural fibers has traditionally been performed using chopped fibers or a non-woven mat for reinforcement. Fibers from flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) are stiff and strong and can be processed into a yarn and then manufactured into a fabric for composite formation. Fabric directly impacts the composite because it contains various fiber types via fiber or yarn blending, fiber length is often longer due to requirements in yarn formation, and it controls the fiber alignment via weaving. Composites created with cotton and flax-containing commercial fabrics and recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) were evaluated for physical and mechanical properties. Flax fiber/recycled HDPE composites were easily prepared through compression molding using a textile preform. This method takes advantage of maintaining cotton and flax fiber lengths that are formed into a yarn (a continuous package of short fibers) and oriented in a bidirectional woven fabric. Fabrics were treated with maleic anhydride, silane, enzyme, or adding maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (MAA-PE; MDEX 102-1, Exxelor^® VA 1840) to promote interactions between polymer and fibers. Straight and strong flax fibers present problems because they are not bound as tightly within yarns producing weaker and less elastic yarns that contain larger diameter variations. As the blend percentage and mass of flax fibers increases the fabric strength, and elongation generally decrease in value. Compared to recycled HDPE, mechanical properties of composite materials (containing biodegradable and renewable resources) demonstrated significant increases in tensile strength (1.4–3.2 times stronger) and modulus of elasticity (1.4–2.3 times larger). Additional research is needed to improve composite binding characteristics by allowing the stronger flax fibers in fabric to carry the composites load.     

Injection-Molded Bioblends from Lignin and Biodegradable Polymers: Processing and Performance Evaluation

This paper investigates the effects of the incorporation of lignin and small quantities of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) as an impact modifying agent on blends of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL). The addition of lignin resulted in a slight improvement of flexural strength and modulus of the ternary blending system. Incorporation of ENR into the blend resulted in an increase in notched Izod impact strength from 40 to 135% depending on the concentration of ENR. The addition of lignin into the blend resulted in an improvement of thermal stability of the ternary blend system. Morphological analysis showed a good dispersion of PHBV phases and lignin within the PCL matrix. Rheological characterization revealed that the presence of lignin resulted in increased storage modulus of the bioblend.     

Preliminary Study of Non-woven Composite: Effect of Needle Punching and Kenaf Fiber Loadings on Non-woven Thermoplastic Composites Prepared From Kenaf and Polypropylene Fiber

Non-woven composites were produced using kenaf (bast) fiber and polypropylene (PP) fiber. The effects of needle punching process, number of needle and kenaf fiber loadings on the properties of non-woven composite were studied. The aspect ratio of kenaf fiber was also measured in this study. The aspect ratio of most of kenaf fiber used was in the range of 200–400. The results indicated that the mechanical strength of the non-woven composite was significantly influenced by the percentage of kenaf fiber. This may due to the evenly mixed kenaf and PP fibers during carding process prior to the mechanical interlocking by needle punching process. The tensile strength, modulus and toughness were enhanced with the incorporation of carded and needle punched fibers. The number of needle used in needle punching process had a significant effect on the strength of the composite. This was evident in SEM micrograph where composite prepared from carded to needle punched non-woven web showed better wettability as compared to composite prepared from carded non-woven web only. However, no significant difference was observed in water absorption and thickness swelling tests for composites prepared with different number of needles.     

Fiber from DDGS and Corn Grain as Alternative Fillers in Polymer Composites with High Density Polyethylene from Bio-based and Petroleum Sources

The steady increase in production of corn based ethanol fuel has dramatically increased the supply of its major co-product known as distiller’s dried grain with solubles (DDGS). Large amount of DDGS and corn flour are used as an animal feed. The elusieve process can separate DDGS or corn flour into two fractions: DDGS fraction with enhanced protein and oil content or corn flour fraction with high starch content, and hull fiber. This study investigated the feasibility of using fiber from DDGS and corn grain as alternative fillers to wood fiber in high density polyethylene (HDPE) composites made with two different sources of polymers. Two fiber loading rates of 30 and 50% were evaluated for fiber from DDGS, corn, and oak wood (control) to assess changes in various physical and mechanical properties of the composite materials. Two HDPE polymers, a bio-based HDPE made from sugarcane (Braskem), and a petroleum based HDPE (Marlex) were also compared as substrates. The biobased polymer composites with DDGS and corn fibers showed significantly lower water absorption than the Marlex composite samples. The Braskem composite with 30% DDGS fiber loading showed the highest impact resistance (80 J/m) among all the samples. The flexural properties showed no significant difference between the two HDPE composites.