Thermal degradation of High-Density Polyethylene Containing Cobalt Stearat as Oxidant Additive

Abstract

Cobalt stearate can be used as an oxidant additive into High Density Polyethylene (HDPE). HDPE with the addition of 0.075% (w/w) of cobalt stearate was printed with a hot press. SEM results showed damage to the membrane surface which had been thermally degradation at 75 °C for 10 days. The TGA results also showed that the film had a weight loss of 75.99%. This decrease in weight indicated that an oxide compound had been formed due to the degradation of HDPE. The oxide compound is a chemical compound containing oxygen. With this oxygen, the degradation process of polyethylene will be easier and faster.