Thermal decomposition kinetics of jute fiber filled HDPE composites

Abstract

Natural fiber–plastic composites are being used for many light structural applications. The thermal behaviour is particularly important for applications where product is subjected to conditions which are above ambient temperatures like under the hood auto components, processes involving elevated temperatures like curing, reprocessing, or in case of fire damage. This paper discusses thermal decomposition kinetics of Jute reinforced High Density Polyethylene (HDPE). The thermal behaviour of jute fiber reinforced high density polyethylene composites was studied by thermogravimetric analysis. Jute reinforced HDPE composites exhibited sequential degradation of jute appearing at around 375 °C and that of HDPE at around 485 °C. Horowitz–Metzger and Coates–Redfern methods were used to evaluate kinetic parameters associated with thermal degradation of jute fiber filled composites. The result also showed that both jute and HDPE degrades in two distinct steps. Apparent activation energy of around 50 and 95 kJ/mol for jute and approximately 245 and 345 kJ/mol for HDPE was obtained.