In this study, the effect of various fillers (oyster shell, periwinkle shell, okpa membrane, and cashew membrane) on the mechanical properties of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) are investigated. The physical and mechanical properties of natural filler composites largely depend on the type of matrix, content and properties of the reinforcement fillers and filler-matrix interaction. Better dispersion of the filler can be achieved by effective mixing of the components and a proper compounding process. It has been reported that by adding filler in the polymer material, the mechanical properties of the composite such as the strength can be further enhanced.
However, it had also been mentioned that the strength of the composites decreased when the filler content exceeded a critical value. One of the main concerns for the use of natural fiber or filler reinforced composite materials is their susceptibility to moisture absorption and the effect on physical, mechanical and thermal properties. All polymer composites absorb moisture in humid atmosphere and when immersed in water. The effect of absorption of moisture leads to the degradation of filler matrix interface region by creating poor stress transfer efficiencies resulting in a reduction of mechanical properties.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Materials and Research Methodology
- Collection and preparation of the materials
- Composite processing
- Hardness testing
- Flexural testing
- Results and Discussions
- Effect of different types of fillers on the impact strength of the composite
- Effect of different types of fillers on the flexural strength of the composite
- Conclusion
- Funding/Acknowledgments
Objectives and Key Themes
This study investigated the impact of various natural fillers (oyster shell, periwinkle shell, okpa membrane, and cashew membrane) on the mechanical properties of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The main objective was to determine how filler type, concentration, and particle size affect the impact and flexural strength of the resulting composite material.
- Effect of filler type on HDPE mechanical properties
- Influence of filler concentration on composite strength
- Relationship between filler particle size and impact/flexural strength
- Comparison of different natural fillers' effectiveness
- Optimal filler concentration for enhanced mechanical properties
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This chapter introduces the research focusing on natural filler-reinforced polymer composites. It highlights the advantages of these materials, such as cost-effectiveness and renewability, while acknowledging challenges like filler-polymer incompatibility due to hydrophilic fillers and hydrophobic polymers. The chapter emphasizes the importance of filler dispersion and compounding processes in achieving improved mechanical properties, noting that exceeding a critical filler content can negatively impact strength. The susceptibility of these composites to moisture absorption and its effects on mechanical properties is also discussed, setting the stage for the investigation of specific natural fillers (oyster shell, periwinkle shell, okpa membrane, and cashew membrane) and their influence on HDPE.
Materials and Research Methodology: This section details the materials and methods used in the study. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) was obtained from Indorama Eleme Petrochemical, while the natural fillers were sourced locally in Awka, Nigeria. The fillers were prepared with varying particle sizes (850, 1000, and 1800 μm) and concentrations (16-50 wt.%). The HDPE was compounded with each filler using an injection molding machine under specified conditions. The chapter describes the hardness testing method (Brinell hardness test) and the flexural testing method (3-point flexure test) used to evaluate the mechanical properties of the resulting composites. The detailed descriptions of the experimental procedures ensure reproducibility and rigor in the research.
Results and Discussions: This chapter presents and analyzes the experimental results. The impact strength increased with filler content regardless of filler type, but decreased with increasing particle size, suggesting better dispersion of smaller particles within the polymer matrix. The flexural strength, however, showed an optimum enhancement at 1000 μm filler size and 37.5 wt.% filler concentration, decreasing beyond this point due to poor load transfer. Cashew membrane demonstrated the most significant improvement in both impact and flexural strength, especially at 1000 μm particle size and 37.5 wt.% concentration. The chapter thoroughly compares the performance of each filler type and discusses the underlying reasons for the observed trends.
Keywords
High-density polyethylene (HDPE), natural fillers, oyster shell, periwinkle shell, okpa membrane, cashew membrane, impact strength, flexural strength, filler concentration, particle size, composite materials, mechanical properties, polymer matrix, filler-polymer interaction.
Frequently Asked Questions: Natural Filler-Reinforced High-Density Polyethylene Composites
What is the main topic of this research?
This research investigates the impact of various natural fillers (oyster shell, periwinkle shell, okpa membrane, and cashew membrane) on the mechanical properties (impact and flexural strength) of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composites. The study explores how filler type, concentration, and particle size affect the resulting composite material's performance.
What are the objectives of this study?
The main objective is to determine the influence of filler type, concentration, and particle size on the impact and flexural strength of HDPE composites. Specific objectives include assessing the effect of each filler type, analyzing the influence of filler concentration on composite strength, determining the relationship between filler particle size and mechanical properties, comparing the effectiveness of different natural fillers, and identifying the optimal filler concentration for enhanced mechanical properties.
What materials and methods were used?
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) was sourced from Indorama Eleme Petrochemical. Natural fillers (oyster shell, periwinkle shell, okpa membrane, and cashew membrane) were obtained locally in Awka, Nigeria, with varying particle sizes (850, 1000, and 1800 μm) and concentrations (16-50 wt.%). An injection molding machine was used for compounding. Mechanical properties were evaluated using Brinell hardness testing and a 3-point flexure test.
What were the key findings regarding impact strength?
Impact strength generally increased with filler content regardless of filler type but decreased with increasing particle size. This suggests that smaller particles disperse better within the polymer matrix.
What were the key findings regarding flexural strength?
Flexural strength showed optimal enhancement at a 1000 μm filler size and 37.5 wt.% filler concentration, decreasing beyond this point due to poor load transfer. Cashew membrane showed the most significant improvement in both impact and flexural strength, particularly at 1000 μm and 37.5 wt.% concentration.
Which filler performed best?
Cashew membrane demonstrated the most significant improvement in both impact and flexural strength, especially at a 1000 μm particle size and 37.5 wt.% concentration.
What are the key challenges addressed in this research?
The research addresses challenges related to filler-polymer incompatibility (hydrophilic fillers and hydrophobic polymers), the importance of filler dispersion and compounding processes in achieving improved mechanical properties, and the negative impact of exceeding a critical filler content on strength. The susceptibility of these composites to moisture absorption and its effect on mechanical properties is also considered.
What are the keywords associated with this research?
High-density polyethylene (HDPE), natural fillers, oyster shell, periwinkle shell, okpa membrane, cashew membrane, impact strength, flexural strength, filler concentration, particle size, composite materials, mechanical properties, polymer matrix, filler-polymer interaction.
What is the overall conclusion of the study?
The study successfully investigated the effect of different natural fillers on the mechanical properties of HDPE composites. The findings highlight the potential of utilizing these natural fillers to enhance the properties of HDPE, providing valuable insights for material selection and optimization in various applications. Specific filler type, concentration and particle size significantly influence the final mechanical properties.
- Quote paper
- Ebuka Udeaja (Author), 2019, Effect of Filler Content on the Mechanical Properties of High-density Polyethylene (HDPE), Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/509955
