Organic Solvents Transport Through Alkali-Treated Agro-waste Microfibre Incorporated with Low Density Polyethylene Composites

Henry Chinedu Obasi

doi:10.11648/j.ajpst.20170304.11

Abstract

We report the transport behaviour of low density polyethylene composites containing both untreated and alkali-treated agro-waste microfibre in three aromatic organic solvents (benzene, toluene, and xylene) at 40, 60 and 80°C by the conventional weight-gain method. The effects of fibre content, alkali treatment, and filler particle size on solvent sorption were analysed. Transport parameters such as diffusion coefficient, sorption coefficient, and permeation coefficient have been calculated in terms of microfibre content, particle size, nature of the solvent, and temperature. It was observed that all the systems follow the Fickian mode of transport on increasing temperature. The van’t Hoff’s relationship was used to determine the thermodynamic parameters and was found that the estimated free energies of sorption were all positive, indicating non-spontaneity of the solubility of micro fibre/LDPE composites. The first order kinetic rate constant and swelling parameters were also evaluated.

Highlights

The performance of polymeric composites in a solvent and solvent mixed media can be threatened due to swelling of the composite matrix
The sorption behaviour of the MF/Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) composites prepared in three different particle sizes of agro-waste microfibre, namely, 425, 500 and 600 μm, were studied at the following temperatures, 40, 60, and 80°C
It is expressed as the molar percentage uptake (% Qt) of solvent per gramme of MF/LDPE composites and was calculated using equation 1

Summary

Introduction

The performance of polymeric composites in a solvent and solvent mixed media can be threatened due to swelling of the composite matrix. The understanding of the performance of polymers in the environment of hazardous solvents, vapours and temperature is, essential for successful applications as structural engineering materials. Solvent sorption and diffusion are the limiting factors of polymer end-use applications because these processes might utter the mechanical properties and sometimes lead to failure in polymer structures [1]. For filled polymers whether heterogeneous or homogeneous, diffusion depends on its composition, miscibility, phase morphology, and nature of fillers. The diffusion process is influenced by the interaction between the components [2,3,4,5] while for heterogeneous blends, the interfacial phenomena and the rubbery or glassy nature of the phases are important [6]

Objectives

Results

Conclusion