Mechanical and optimization studies of polyethylene/snail shell/ kenaf fiber hybrid bio composite

Abstract

Polyethylene (PE) was coupled with less expense of particulate snail shell (PSS) and kenaf fibre (KF) in a polymeric matrix with an excellent strength-to-cost ratio following compressive molding at 180 °C and 0.2 MPa. The compounds are divided within three categories and labeled combination 2, 4, and 6. Every set consisted of a mixture of 5, 10, 15 also 20 % KF with 2, 4, and 6 % PSS, correspondingly. According to the findings, a mixture of 5 to 20 wt% kenaf fibre and 2, 4, and 6 weight %particulate snail shell was used to boost the hardness value. Combining 2 wt% particulate snail shell with 5 to 20 wt%, on the other hand, resulted in increased effect, compressive, flexural, and tensile strengths. When mixed with 5 and 10 % kenaf fibre, the 4-wt %particulate snail shell resulted in a consistent increase in effect, compressive, and flexural resistance. The addition of 15 and 20 wt% KF, on the other hand, resulted in a minor fall in the strength values. When 4 wt% PSS was blended by 30 wt% KF, the tensile strength reached its maximum. In contrast, when 10 wt %particulate snail shell was combined with 5, 10, 15, or 20 wt% KF, there was no substantial increase in the mechanical characteristics of the particulate snail shell /KF-bio-PE compound (with the exception of hardness) and siring strength decreased. The optimal blend for a hybrid bio-PE composite was a composite of 4 wt% particulate snail shell and 6 wt% KF, according to Taguchi optimization.