Effect of citronella grass fiber addition and method of citronella oil impregnation on rice straw-high density polyethylene composite

Abstract

Citronella grass and rice straw fiber with the size of 60 mesh were mixed and compounded with HPOE using twin screw extruder at compositions of 05:25:70, 10:20:70, 15:15:70 and 20:10:70 respectively. HDPE composites with same weight percent of polymer composition but different in fiber type loading were obtained. Rheological study was done and the result shows a slight increase in MFl value by the increase of citronella grass fiber loading. The new Citronella GrasslRice StrawfHOPE composite (CGRSPE) were injected using injection molding into the test piece shape at the temperature around 140°C to 160°C. The study of tensile properties of CGRSPE composites was done. The results show the decreasing in tensile strength, Young's Modulus and elongation at break with the increase of citronella grass fiber loading. One of the compounded CGRSPE composite were selected and impregnated by citronella oil. The chemical constituent and thermal stability of the perfumed composites were studied.