Differential Scanning Calorimetry of Alkali-Treated Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia Crassipes)/HDPE Composites

Abstract

This research is aimed to study the effect alkali treatment on thermal stability of a new composite made of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) with HDPE. Water hyacinth fibres were sun-dried and chopped following by immersion in various concentration of alkaline solution, NaOH in 30 min. The concentrations are 5, 10, 15, and 20% in weight. Each alkali-treated fibres were then loaded into an internal mixer together with high density polyethylene to form various alkali-treated water hyacinth/HDPE composites. The composites were then cut into about 10 mg samples and then placed into aluminium crucibles. The sample filled crucible were placed into a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) instrument and heated from 30 °C to 400 °C. The results show that the thermal stability of the composites increased with the increase of fibre content.