INVESTIGATION OF MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF POLYETHYLENE WASTE � BAOBAB FRUIT SHELL COMPOSITE
Baobab fruit shell was used as filler to add value to it instead of disposal and polyethylene waste poses a threat to our environment due to their inability to degrade. Baobab fruit shell powder / polyethylene waste composites were fabricated using compounding and compression molding techniques and their mechanical properties were investigated. Mechanical and morphological properties of the composite were determined in accordance with ASTM standards. Results of the mechanical properties reveals Hardness lowest value of 21.73 HV at 0 wt% BFS and the highest value of 61.70 HV at 30 wt% BFS. The impact strength is 28.33 Jm-2 at 30 wt% BFS being the lowest while the highest value is 56.57Jm-2 at 0 wt% BFS. flexural strength increases from 137.090 MPa at 0wt% to 210.345 MPa at 30 wt% BFS and Flexural Modulus of 68.277 GPa being the lowest at 0 wt% BFS to highest value of 98. 625 GPa at 30 wt% BFS. While in percentage elongation, a decrease from 15.153% at 15 wt% to 0.8404% at 30 wt% BFS was observed. The morphology of the fractured surface of the composites revealed a poor dispersion of filler particles within the matrix.
Authors : Yunusa, M.S., Abdullahi, I., Lawal, N. and Baba, M.T.
Category : Open Access Volume (Issue) : 10(2) Date Uploaded : 5th January 2025