Abstract
In-situ synthesis of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) reinforced groundnut shell particulate (GSP) composite with treated GSP within the range of 10-30 wt% at 10 wt% has been achieved. The adopted technique used in the production of the composite is melt mixing and compounding using two roll mills with a compression moulding machine. Properties such as hardness, tensile strength, impact energy and water absorption analysis were examined. The result revealed that addition of GSP increases the hardness value from 22.3 to 87 Hv. However, the tensile strength progressively decreased as the GSP increases in the HDPE. This trend arises due to the interaction between neighbouring reinforced particulate which appears to influence the matrix flow, thereby inducing embrittlement of the polymer matrix. It was also observed that water absorption rate steadily increased with an increase in the exposure time and the absorbed amount of water increases by increasing the wt% of the GSP. Analysing the obtained results, it was concluded that there were improvements in the hardness, tensile strength, impact energy and water absorption properties of the HDPE-GSP polymer composite when compared to unreinforced HDPE. On these premises, GSP was found as a promising reinforcement which can positively influence the HDPE properties of modern composites.
Highlights
In recent years, natural fibre reinforced polymers have started emerging as new eco-friendly polymeric composite materials with superior engineering properties such as low density, acceptable specific strength and specific stiffness, reduced tool wear and non-abrasiveness [1]
3.2 Mechanical Properties Analysis 3.2.1 Hardness Test Figure 2 explains the comparative analysis of the high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and the groundnut shell particulate (GSP)-HDPE composite subjected to alkaline treatment at various time intervals ranging from 1 to 3 hours
The GSP-HDPE reveals a progressive increase in hardness value as the wt% of GSP increases from 10 wt% to 30 wt% for 1 hr alkaline treatment
Summary
Natural fibre reinforced polymers have started emerging as new eco-friendly polymeric composite materials with superior engineering properties such as low density, acceptable specific strength and specific stiffness, reduced tool wear and non-abrasiveness [1]. This limitation can be overcome by improving the fibre-matrix interfacial adhesion through surface modification of the natural fibre through chemical or physical treatment, use of coupling agent and chemically functionalized matrix These naturally occurring fibres have been extensively used as reinforcements in polymer matrices as compared to the non-degradable synthetic fibres such as carbon, glass or aramid. Groundnut shell is a waste product obtained after the removal of groundnut seed from its pod, and there has not been substantial demand for the utilization of groundnut shell for economic and commercial purpose It is one of such natural agro waste filler with potential to be used as reinforcement as it contains cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. It is a valuable product in composite production process due to its high availability in Northern Nigeria and scarce interest in other
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