Effect of alkaline treatment on mechanical properties of HDPE/PKS composites

In this study, the alkali treatment of palm kernel shell using different concentration (5% and 10%) of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is performed. The interaction between palm kernel shell and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) was examined by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). For comparison purpose, the treated and untreated palm kernel shell filler was reinforced in High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) matrix and have been tested under tensile and flexural modes using Universal Testing Machine (UTM). The results indicate that the strength and modulus of elasticity properties were improved in treating filler composites for both tensile and flexural modes.In this study, the alkali treatment of palm kernel shell using different concentration (5% and 10%) of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is performed. The interaction between palm kernel shell and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) was examined by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). For comparison purpose, the treated and untreated palm kernel shell filler was reinforced in High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) matrix and have been tested under tensile and flexural modes using Universal Testing Machine (UTM). The results indicate that the strength and modulus of elasticity properties were improved in treating filler composites for both tensile and flexural modes.