Effect of Fiber Content and Type, Compatibilizer, and Heating Rate on Thermogravimetric Properties of Natural Fiber High Density Polyethylene Composites

Natural fiber polyethylene composites containing kenaf fibers, wood flour, newsprint, and rice hulls at 25 and 50% (by weight) fiber content were sampled and studied using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The effects of fiber type and content, compatibilizer and heating rate on the thermal stability and degradation of the composites were evaluated. Among different natural fibers, kenef fibers were found to be the least thermally stable ones whereas newsprint fibers proved to be the most stable fibers in composite formulations. Composites containing higher amounts of natural fiber degraded at a higher rate and exhibited higher weight loss. The presence of the compatibilizer resulted in composites with slower thermal degradation. Heating rate increased both temperature and rate of main degradation peaks. FTIR and DSC results are also presented to discuss phenomena leading to thermal degradation. POLYM. COMPOS., 30:1226-1233, 2009. (C) 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers