Technological properties of thermoplastic composites filled with fire retardant and tea mill waste fiber

Abstract

In this study, physical, mechanical, thermal, fire and biological properties of thermoplastic composites filled with fire retardant and tea mill waste fiber were investigated. The composites produced with the extrusion method were accomplished by using tea mill waste fiber as lignocellulosic materials and high-density polyethylene and polypropylene as thermoplastic polymer. Aluminum trihydrate and zinc borate were incorporated with different contents into polymer matrix for improving fire properties of the composites, and their effects on technological properties of the composites were evaluated. Aluminum trihydrate had a positive effect on the tensile modulus of the composites whilst zinc borate had adverse effect on that of the composites. The strength properties of the composites slightly decreased with usage of fire retardant. In the light of obtained results, it was specified that use of fire retardants improved physical, biological, thermal and fire properties of tea mill waste fiber-filled thermoplastic composites.