Methacrylic Acid as Chemical Treatment on the Properties of Kapok Husk Filled Linear Low Density Polyethylene Eco-Composites

Abstract

The effect of methacrylic acid (MAA) as chemical treatment on the properties of kapok husk (KH) filled linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) has been studied. KH, as natural filler was added into LLDPE by using Brabender Plasticizer EC plus at temperature 160 °C. The addition of KH content decreased the tensile strength and elongation at break of the eco-composites, but modulus of elasticity increased. Crystallinity of LLDPE/KH eco-composites decreased with increasing of KH content. Chemical treatment by MAA altered the tensile properties and crystallinity of eco-composites. The treated LLDPE/KH eco-composites showed higher tensile strength, modulus of elasticity and crystallinity of eco-composites due to better interfacial interaction between LLDPE matrix and KH filler. This has proven by Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM).