Wettability, absorption and degradation behavior of microwave-assisted compression molded kenaf/HDPE composite tank under various environments

Abstract The present work investigates wetting, absorption and degradation behavior of microwave-assisted compression molded 30 wt. % kenaf/HDPE composite conditioned in various environments for 6 months. The environments were deionized water, sea water, 5 % NaOH solution, vegetable oil and diesel oil. These liquids can be stored in kenaf/HDPE composite tank. Absorption behavior is discussed in detail for all the environments and is supported with morphology of surface. The liquid uptake and thickness swelling were highest for deionized water and lowest for vegetable oil. The degradation of composite conditioned in 5 % NaOH solution was highest and lowest in the case of vegetable oil. The change in chemical structure of the conditioned composite was studied using Raman spectroscopy. Liquids used in this research work have less impact on kenaf/HDPE composite due to less shift in Raman intensities (i.e. 1.7 cm−1). Through the study it was observed that kenaf/HDPE composite can be better suited for storage of less absorbing liquids i.e. oils and sea water.