Influence of Albizzia Lebbeck Benth Pods Particulate on Mechanical Properties of Low-Density Polyethylene

Abstract

Albizzia Lebbeck Benth (ALB) is a tree with antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer potentials, renewable and non-toxic. These qualities make it worth exploring in the development of new materials to replace the fossil-based ones. In this study, pods of ALB were ground to 150 and 408 μm particle sizes and characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) was reinforced with 10 wt% ALB particles and cast into tensile and flexural strengths samples. The FTIR spectrum reveals ALB to consist majorly OH, COOH, C–O–C and C=C groups. The LDPE increases in tensile strength by 364 and 171% for 150 and 408 µm particle sizes ALB addition respectively, while it flexural strength rises from 3.39 to 6.05 and 11.42 MPa with the use of 408 and 150 μm particle sizes respectively. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) characterisation reveals good wettability between ALB and LDPE resulting improved strengths.