Tensile Strength Improvement Using Human Hair Reinforcement in Recycled High Density Polyethylene

Abstract

One way to reduce the harmful destruction of our ecosystem is to have policies encouraging the use of natural fiber. Human hair disposal has become a growing concern as it is non-degradable. Considerable research is being done regarding the alternative uses of the same. But the high tensile strength of human hair can be harnessed in productive ways. Another area of study aims at increasing the productivity of recycled plastics. This work aims at making use of this non-degradable material for increasing the strength of recycled plastic. Human hair (HH) is used as reinforcement in high density polyethylene (HDPE) forming a polymer matrix composite. Composite samples were made using 3%, 5% and 10% of human hair by weight and the mechanical properties of them were evaluated. The fabricated HH-HDPE polymer matrix composite samples have given encouraging results of improved tensile strength and tensile modulus.