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Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the moisture absorption behavior of uncompatibilized and compatibilized palm fiber/polypropylene composites in distilled water and sea water. The amount of moisture absorbed at saturation by polypropylene during immersion in both environments increased significantly by introduction of palm fiber in the polymer and this amount was not affected by use of a coupling agent/compatibilizer (Epolene E-43). On the other hand, incorporation of the compatibilizer Epolene E-43 in the composites increased moisture diffusion rate significantly. Moisture diffusivity values obtained in distilled water and sea water were similar in the case of palm/PP composite specimens without any compatibilizer. However, the moisture diffusion rate was faster in distilled water than that in sea water in the case of using compatibilizer Epolene E-43 in the palm/PP composite.
The authors gratefully acknowledge the assistance of King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals in the performance of this work.