A study of properties of low density polyethylene/ palm pressed fibre biocomposite film

Abstract

The aim of this study is to develop low density polyethylene (LDPE) / Palm Pressed Fibre (PPF) biocomposite film which is used as semi-degradable black polyethylene bag for nursery planting application. Few formulations with fixed PPF dosage were designed in this study. Silane was used as coupling agent at same loading for all formulations while glycerol was used as plasticizer at different dosage. Effects of glycerol and alkali treatment on LDPE/PPF biocomposite film were analyzed. All blends were compounded with twin screw extruder and were extrusion blown into film sample. Samples properties including melt flow index (MFI), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), mechanical, water absorption and biodegradability test were conducted. MFI of LDPE/PPF was found not far different than pure LDPE. Both glycerol and alkali treatment has affected the MFI where glycerol helped to increase the MFI but the treatment has declining the MFI. Tensile property was drastically reduced with incorporation of PPF prove that PPF failed to reinforce the LDPE/PPF biocomposite film but the property was improved with treated PPF (TPPF) while glycerol do not showed significant impact. Alkali treatment on PPF had improved the resistance of LDPE/PPF biocomposite film to water uptake but shown lower weight loss in biodegradability test