Comparative mechanical properties of polyester and polyethylene composites reinforced with sunflower seed hull fibers (opens in new tab)

This study investigates the development and characterization of novel composite materials using sunflower seed hull fibers as reinforcement in polyester and polyethylene matrices. The fibers were extracted via alkaline treatment (10% NaOH) and mechanical separation. Composites were fabricated with various fiber mass fractions (0–40% for polyester and 0–22% for polyethylene) using a compression molding technique. Mechanical properties were evaluated through tensile, flexural, impact, and compr...