TITLE:
Experimental Evaluation of the Mechanical Properties of Recycled Low Density Polyethylene/Bean Pod Ash Particulate Bio-Composites
AUTHORS:
M. C. Ekwedigwe, E. E. Nnuka, C. U. Atuanya
KEYWORDS:
Microstructure, Mechanical Properties, Statistical Studies and Composites Fabrication
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Minerals and Materials Characterization and Engineering,
Vol.3 No.5,
August
24,
2015
ABSTRACT: The evaluation of bean pod ash particles on the properties of recycled low density polyethylene
(RLDPE) composites was studied. The RLDPE/bean pod ash particles (CBPp) composites were
produced using compounding and compressive moulding techniques. Factorial design of experiment
and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed for optimization. The mechanical properties
and microstructure of the composites were determined. The results obtained showed that the
optimum values of flexural strength were obtained at 140°C, 12 minutes, 40 wt% CBPp and 6 Mpa.
The hardness values, tensile and bending strengths of the composite increased by the addition of
beans pod ash particles to RLDPE composites. Compressive properties of RLDPE matrix and composites
were 13.00 and 18.25 N/mm2. The fairly uniform distribution of the bean pod ash particles
in the microstructure of the composites is the major factor responsible for the improvement in the
mechanical properties. The obtained results of the developed composites have shown that the
beans pod waste could be used as a biodegradable eco-friendly reinforcement.