This research focuses on utilization of kapok husk (KH) as a natural filler in linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) ecocomposites. The effect of KH content and coupling agent on tensile properties, thermal properties, water absorption behavior, and morphology of ecocomposites were studied. The addition of KH had increased tensile modulus and water absorption of ecocomposites, whereas tensile strength and elongation at break decreased. However, the polyethylene-grafted acrylic acid (PEAA) was used as a polymeric-coupling agent to enhance the properties of LLDPE/KH ecocomposites. The incorporation of PEAA improved the tensile strength, tensile modulus, crystallinity, and thermal stability as well as reduced the water absorption of LLDPE/KH ecocomposites. The improvement of those properties was caused by the enhanced interfacial bonding, which was evidenced by scanning electron microscopy. The Fourier transmission infrared spectra also confirmed the presence of ester linkage between PEAA and KH.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.