Study of Breakage Tendencies of Palm Kernel, Coconut and Periwinkle Shells using Ball-Milling Process

J O Agunsoye,J E Anyanwu,S B Hassan,S A Bello

doi:10.4314/njtd.v15i3.5

Abstract

The needs for eco-friendly composites have initiated the use of agricultural wastes as possible replacements for expensive synthetic carbon and glass fillers for metal and polymer strengthening. In this study, degree of refinement of palm kernel shells, coconut shells and periwinkle shells has been investigated through ball-milling approach. Palm kernel, coconut and periwinkle shells were pulverised using disc grinder and refined using top-down approach under the same milling conditions. The particles of palm kernel, coconut and periwinkle shells obtained were analysed and their sizes were determined. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopic and X-ray Diffractometric analyses indicated different compositions of the examined agricultural wastes particles. Imaging sizing of the particles indicated attainment of nanoparticles when milling for 74 hours at 10 charge ratios for both carbonized and uncarbonized palm kernel, coconut and periwinkle shells. Comparison of sizes showed that uncarbonized palm kernel shell has a least grain size among other uncarbonized agricultural waste particles. Therefore, uncarbonised palm kernel shells have highest breakage tendency among others. KEYWORDS : Degree, Refinement, Agricultural wastes, Fillers, Milling.

Highlights

Over the years, synthetic fillers have been the dominant material for reinforcement for both metal and polymer (Allaoui et al, 2002, Baghat and Verma, 2013, Chen et al, 2007)
III RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Figures 2-7 reveal the TEM images, size distribution and elemental compositions of uncarbonized and carbonized agricultural waste particles obtained after 74 hours milling at 10 charge ratios
IV SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS Carbonized and uncarbonized nanoparticles of palm kernel, coconut and periwinkle shells have been synthesised from precursor powder of 45 μm through continuous ballmilling for 74 hours at 10 charge ratios

Summary

Introduction

Synthetic fillers have been the dominant material for reinforcement for both metal and polymer (Allaoui et al, 2002, Baghat and Verma, 2013, Chen et al, 2007). Proper and profitable utilisation of agricultural waste will reduce the negative impacts of poor waste disposal such as air pollution caused by burning of agricultural wastes (palm kernel shells). This process leads to release of harmful gases (methane, black smoke) that could cause respiratory problem (Romulo, 2013).

Methods

Results

Conclusion