Effect of different modifiers on tobacco stalk fiber/high‐density polyethylene composites

Abstract Agricultural waste fiber has huge utilization potential due to its abundant sources, renewability, and low recycling costs. In this process, up to 30 wt% tobacco stalk fiber (TSF) was compounded with high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) and interfacial modifiers using a grinder, melting‐blending mixer, and injection molding machine to prepare environmentally friendly TSF/HDPE composites, which have excellent mechanical properties and good water resistance. On this basis, the interfacial compatibility between TSF and HDPE was enhanced by adding a silane coupling agent KH550, titanate coupling agent 201, and maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (MA‐ g ‐PE), which led to the improvement of mechanical properties of composites. The mechanical properties of the composites with 2% MA‐ g ‐PE were the best, while the tensile strength and flexural strength increased by 72% and 38%, respectively, compared with the unmodified composites. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed that TSF was modified by different coupling agents and new chemical bonds were formed. The scanning electron microscopy images showed that the interfacial compatibility between TSF and HDPE was improved by the interface modifiers. This work confirms that it is possible to use TSF to prepare composites and provides a new way for resource utilization of tobacco stalk fiber. Highlights TSF was incorporated into composites, boosting material sustainability. The interface compatibility between TSF and HDPE was greatly improved. Thermal and water absorption analysis can be used for composites design. Composites modified by 2 wt% MA‐ g ‐PE had optimal comprehensive properties.