Polypropylene filled with activated carbon from palm kernel shells as antistatic packaging

Effect of activated carbon (AC) obtained from palm kernel shells on the electrical conductivity of polypropylene (PP) intended for antistatic packaging was investigated. AC (1–4 wt%) was introduced into PP by solution mixing. FT-IR analysis confirmed the absence of new functional groups, and SEM showed uniform distribution of the filler in the polymer matrix. Electrical conductivity increased with AC content (8.01 x 10⁻¹⁰ S/m for 4 wt% of AC), approaching the limit required for antistatic materials. In addition, tensile strength increased with simultaneous reduction of elongation and increase of crystallinity degree and thermal stability. At a higher AC content (4 wt%), agglomerate formation was observed, which slightly deteriorated mechanical and electrical properties. The results indicate that with an appropriately selected filler content, PP composites with AC additives can be a promising material for antistatic packaging.