Modification in thermal and electrical characteristics of royal palm frond (roystonea regia) through blending with high-density polyethylene

Abstract

The objective of this research is to characterize royal palm fronds (RPFs) and fabricate biocomposites (BCs) by reinforcing the RPF powder with high-density polyethylene (HDPE). RPF was grinded into powder, and various analyses were conducted to determine their moisture content, lignin content, and water and alcohol-benzene solubility. HDPE was dissolved in xylene solvent and RPF powder was mixed with molted HDPE to fabricate polymer BCs. The fabricated polymer BCs underwent examination for their electrical conductivity and thermal stability using direct current (σDC) conductivity and thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis-differential thermogravimetry (TG-DTA-DTG). The results showed that the electrical conductivity and thermal stability of the BCs were significantly lower compared to the original royal palm frond fibers.