Impact of Hybrid Biomass Fillers on the Physico-Mechanical and Degradation Properties of Utility Polymers

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

The impact of cassava peel-rice husk hybrid fillers on the physico-mechanical and degradation properties of utility polymers were studied. Fine powders of cassava peel and rice husk of 75µm mesh size were homogeneously mixed at the ratio of 1:1 to form the hybrid filler. The virgin crystalline pellets of Low-Density Polyethylene and Polypropylene were filled with varying weight percentages (5, 10, 15, and 20) of the hybridized filler and the composites produced via the injection moulding technique at 288oC. The mechanical properties were studied according to ASTM standards. The surface morphological properties and thermal properties were studied with Scanning Electron Microscope and Differential Scanning Calorimeter respectively. The results of the mechanical properties showed improved tensile strength, compression strength and hardness as the filler load increases till optimum filler load was attained, while the percentage elongation at break decreased with increase in filler load. The shear modulus was found to be irregular. The creep behaviour with the PP composites was irregular but linear with LDPE composites. The solvent imbibition showed no increase in water, but less than 1% increase in toluene. The DSC result showed the hybrid filler had positive impact on LDPE composite but no effect on PP composite. The micrographs showed improved properties as the filler loading increases. Biodegradation test in soil revealed a reduction in the mass of the composites after a 6- month burial period indicating that the composite is degradable and eco- friendly. From the results, the cassava peel-rice husk hybrid filler can be employed in formulation of polymers where strength, water resistance and biodegradability is required such as plastic tiles. Thus, it is suggested that agro-wastes such as cassava peel and rice husk could be used as fillers in production of degradable plastics as they are accessible, cheap, easy to use and eco-friendly.