Abstract: Composites were prepared by blending high density polyethylene (PE-HD) with steam-explosion treated cotton bast. The effects of steam explosion, cotton bast content, and moisture content on the mechanical properties and density of the composites were studied. It showed that steam-explosion improved the mechanical properties of the composites. The mechanical properties of the composites were the best when the content of cotton bast was 30 %. The tensile strength of the composites increased with increasing moisture content of cotton bast; however the flexure strength was the best when moisture content was 40 %.

Key words: composite, steam-explosion, mechanical property, density, cotton bast, fiber, high density polyethylene