ABSTRACT
Among the various natural fibers, kenaf fibers are of particular interest. Kenaf attracts a special attention due to its good mechanical properties and its increasing cultivation since it grows faster and can be harvested at a very low cost. Hybrid composites show encouraging results as they offer a balance between performance properties. The evaluations of hybrid fillers in Low density polyethylene (LDPE)/Thermoplastic sago starch (TPSS) blends have been clearly elaborated. Outdoor Weathering Tests were performed by exposing dumbbell samples of LDPE/TPSS blends filled with Kenaf core fiber (KCF) and halloysite clay (HCs) composites to the outdoor weathering. The samples consisted of LDPE/TPSS blends with the addition of KCF/HCs hybrid fillers as a function of HC loading. The formation of voids/pores facilitated the degradation process considering the weathering factors such as water absorption, UV light penetration as well as microorganism's attack allow the deterioration of TPSS, KCF, HCs, and subsequently LDPE.
