Production of Plastic Composite Material from Both of Agricultural and Plastic Wastes

Abstract

Nowadays, interest in recycling the products in general has increased. The agricultural waste considers one of the most vital products that the world seeks to treat it. In addition, the danger caused by the waste of the plastic materials raises the concern about need the treat and recycling. The aim of this research study is using a mixture of rice husk and polypropylene to produce a plastic composite with quality characteristics. 27 samples of the plastic composite produced from three different polypropylene diameters (5 mm, 10 mm and 15 mm) mixed with three sizes (length) of rice husk (1 mm, 2mm and 3 mm). The composite mixture ratios were 20% and 75%, 30% and 65% and 40% and 55% for agricultural wastes (Rice Husk) and plastic wastes (polypropylene) respectively. 5% of binding material was added to all the mixture composite. These samples were experienced to determine several physical and mechanicals properties. The results indicated that the mixture values of the strength was 54±0.10 MPa found with 3mm, 15mm and 40% with 55% for T1, T2 and M ratio. For the stress, impact, share and hardness the maximum values were 13.5 MPa, 9.2 J/mm2, 52 MPa, and 98 BHW respectively. On the other hand water absorption was ranged from 1.2 to 0.08 depending on the mixture ratio. The x-ray analysis obtained that adding of natural fibres (RH) to the plastic composite led to deformation in the crystallographic structures. Finally the samples were tested to determine the (MFI) and the results showed only the mixture ratio of the composite have a significant effect on the (MFI) and the maximum value was 14.2 g/10 min.