Natural fibre composites from polyethylene waste and hazelnut shell: dimensional stability, physical, mechanical and thermal properties

Abstract

Within the framework of this study, the physical modification of high-density polyethylene waste foil was performed using finely ground hazelnut flour to produce a composite whose physical, mechanical and flammable properties make it possible to use inside and outside of buildings. Three mixtures were produced with filler shares of 11, 26 and 42 vol.% using equipment that is normally used in polymer processing, and no refining additives were applied. The produced materials were analysed for their processing (mass flow ratio), physical (density and moisture content) and mechanical properties (tensile strength, elongation at break and dynamic thermal analysis) and resistance to environmental factors (swelling and water absorption, thermogravimetric analysis and combustion heat). The particle size distribution of the filler and morphological properties of the composites (scanning electron microscopy) were also investigated. It was vital to obtain an inexpensive material with low absorptivity. The resulting materials are characterised by a low density, acceptable low absorptive and good mechanical properties; also, they can constitute an important fuel once their practical properties have been exploited.