Thermal Properties Determination of Polypropylene/Rice Straw Biocomposite Foam via TGA

Polymer foam biocomposites based on polypropylene/rice straw (PP/RS) were successfully prepared by using an extrusion foaming process. The compounding of PP and RS was performed in a twin-screw extruder which was blended with crosslinker; dicumyl peroxide (DCP) and blowing agent; azodicarbonamide (AZ). The foam biocomposite was extruded at temperatures of 180, 190, 190 and 200 °C respectively, which set from the feeder until the die zone. The thermal properties were investigated by using thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA).