Study on the melt flow properties of low density polyethylene/palm kernel shells composites: effect of compatibilizer

Abstract

The melt flow properties of the LDPE/PKS composites were studied by using a capillary rheometer. In this study, polyethylene acrylic acid (PEAA) was used as compostibilizer in the LDPE/PKS composites systems. The effects of filler loading and temperature on the melt flow properties of the composites were determined. The filler loading were varied from 10 to 40 php, while the testing was carried out at temperature of 180 to 210 ºC. The shear viscosity of the LDPE/PKS composites was increased with the filler loading while decreased with the temperature. The incorporation of PEAA in LDPE/PKS composites decreased the shear viscosity by providing better interfacial bonding between the LDPE and PKS. The activation energy of the LDPE/PKS composites was influenced by the filler loading and presence of PEAA.