Preparation and Characterization of composites made of recycled polyethylene and water Hyacinth

Dispersed polyethylene bags and water hyacinth proliferation both have severe environmental impact in the Sahel area; recycling and reusing such items remain an open challenge in these countries. In this paper we explore the possibility of preparing composites made byused polyethylene plastic bags and water hyacinth, growing up on the river Niger. To make fibre and matrix more compatible, esterification of the HYM by palmitic acid or addition to PE of 1% maleic anhydride-modified PE or of 10-20% oxidized PE have been carried out.These composites are resistant to termites and therefore suitable for furniture or under-roof panel applicable in Niger.