Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Article Title: Morphology and Thermal Properties of Alkaline Treated Palm Kernel Nut Shell - HDPE Composites
by E .Y. Ishidi, I. K Adamu, E.G. Kolawale, K.O Sunmonu, M.K. Yakubu

Abstract:
The shells of the nuts of palm tree an African economic tree was used to reinforce High Density Polyethene (HDPE) after the particle size was reduced to 300um with the aid of a Laboratory Ball Mill. Carvers Two Roll Mill was used for compounding of the materials to ensure proper mixing of the two distinct materials. Micro - structure investigation was carried out using Quanta 200 ESEM. The results obtained showed a uniform dispersion of particulates in the polymer matrix and a single fiber pull out for both formulations. Thermal properties of the fabricated composites were also investigated using Palkin Elmer Diamond Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). The results obtained suggest that the fillers incorporated into the polymer matrix influenced the melting and crystallization temperature of the composites though marginally. The melting and crystallization enthalpy were largely reduced by the alkaline treatment of the shell

Keywords: treated palm kernel nut shell - hdpe composites(TEPK). palm kernel nut shell(PK), high density polyethene(HDPE) and untreated palm kernel nut shell - hdpe composites(EPK)

Download full paper