Changes in crystallinity of the HDPE matrix in composites with cellulosic fiber using DSC and FTIR

The ageing of HDPE/cellulosic fiber composite exposed to drastic weather an d the percentages of cellulosic fibers are responsible fur some changes in the crystallinity of component matrix (HDPE). Two types of samples have bee n evaluated during different periods of time (up to 90 days). One in which cellulosic fibers have not been treated and another in which fibers have be en given a treatment with a coupling agent, silane type, which favours the fiber adhesion to the matrix. Two instrumental analysis techniques have bee n used to determine the crystallinity changes of HDPE: Fourier Transform In frared spectrophotometry (FTIR) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) .