Maleic Anhydride-graft-polyethylene Compatibilizer Effect on the Properties of Chrysophyllum Albidum Seed Powder Filled High Density Polyethylene

Abstract

Enhancement of chrysophyllum albidum seed powder (CASP) filled high density polyethylene (HDPE) using maleic anhydride - graft – polyethylene (MAPE) as a compatibilizer has been carried out. Using chrysophyllum albidum seed powder filler sieved to two particle sizes of 0.075 and 0.30μm and 0 to 30 wt %, high density polyethylene (HDPE) composites were prepared using an injection moulding machine. The mechanical properties; tensile strength, elongation at break, modulus of elasticity, and yield strength of the composites were determined using international accepted standard technigues. The mechanical properties decreased with increased filler (CASP) contents, and decrease in filler particle size. The addition of maleic anhydride graft polyethylene (MAPE) to the filler materials was found to improve the mechanical properties of HDPE composites. The specific gravity of high density polyethylene was greatly improved (>99 %) at high CASP particle size of 0.075µm. The hardness of HDPE composites was improved on addition of CASP filler. The addition of MAPE also improved the specific gravity of HDPE composites. The water absorption (24hrs) of the composites was found to increase with increased CASP content. The two particle sizes of the CASP investigated exhibited similar response to water absorption property. Generally the flame retardancy of the composites was found to increase with increased CASP content. Addition of MAPE to the composites was found to significantly improve the water absorption, and flame retardency even at low MAPE content of 0.035 wt. %. The addition of MAPE to high density polyethylene has highlighted the usefullness of chrysophyllum albidum seed powder as filler material in the plastic composite/industry.