Transport Characteristics of Benzene through Palm Mesocarp Fibre/Low Density Polyethylene Composites

The transport characteristics of benzene through palm mesocarp fibre (PMF)-reinforced low density polyethylene (LDPE) composites have been studied in the temperature range 40–80 °C. The diffusion behavior of benzene through these composite samples was studied, with special reference to the effect of filler content, filler particle size, and temperature. Transport coefficients including diffusion, permeation, and sorption coefficients were estimated. The effect of alkali treatment on the solvent uptake and swelling parameters was also analyzed. All the composites showed a decrease in the uptake of solvent, but the effect was more in the case of alkali-treated composites. The solvent uptake decreased more so with particle size decreasing. The transport mechanism of diffusion was found to be close to Fickian and may be regarded as “less Fickian”. The van’t Hoff’s relationship was used to determine the thermodynamic parameters. The energy of activation and transport kinetics of the composites have been evaluated.