Effects of Kenaf Loading on Processability and Properties of Linear Low-Density Polyethylene/Poly (Vinyl Alcohol)/Kenaf Composites

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the possibility of utilizing kenaf (KNF) in LLDPE/PVOH to develop a new thermoplastic composite. The effect of KNF loading on the processability and mechanical, thermal and water absorption properties of linear low-density polyethylene/poly (vinyl alcohol)/kenaf (LLDPE/PVOH/KNF) composites were investigated. Composites with different KNF loadings (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 phr) were prepared using a Thermo Haake Polydrive internal mixer at a temperature of 150 °C and rotor speed of 50 rpm for 10 min. The results indicate that the stabilization torque, tensile modulus, water uptake, and thermal stability increased, while tensile strength and elongation at break decreased with increasing filler loading. The tensile fractured surfaces observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) supported the deterioration in tensile properties of the LLDPE/PVOH/KNF composites with increasing KNF loading.