In this work, results of mechanical properties of new composites based on textile fiber residues from clothing industry and commodity polymers are discussed. Natural fibers offer some advantages over synthetic ones, regarding mechanical and thermal properties. The composites were produced by mixing high density polyethylene with the textile fibers (50% cotton /50% acrylic) in increasing contents, from 10 to 40% in a thermokinetic mixer, using Surlyn 2601, Polybond 3009 and Polybond 1009 as coupling agents. The tensile, flexural and impact samples were produced by cutting sheets obtained in a hydraulic press. The composites with coupling agents showed good results of tensile and flexural strength, mainly with 5% of Polybond 3009 and 20-40% of textile fiber residues.
Recycling; textile fibers; high density polyethylene
