AGRO-WASTE FILLERS: IMPACT ON MECHANICAL, MORPHOLOGICAL, SOLVENT IMBIBITION AND DEGRADATION PROPERTIES OF LOW DENSITY POLYETHYLENE

Abstract

This research is aimed at studying the impact of agro-waste filler on the mechanical, morphological, solvent imbibition and degradation properties of low density polyethylene. The fine agro waste of cassava peel-cowpea hull of 75μm particle size was blended in a 1:1 ratio then integrated into LDPE matrix at different weight percentages (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20) and composites fabricated via injection moulding technique. The mechanical properties; tensile strength, percentage elongation at break, compressive strength, shear modulus and hardness test were studied in line with ASTM standards. The morphological property was studied with Scanning Electron Microscope. Degradation study was done using soil burial method for 180 days. The mechanical properties results showed that there was an increase in tensile strength, percentage elongation at break, hardness and shear modulus of the composites with increasing filler loading. The compressive strength decreased with increasing filler loading. Morphological study of the composites showed a good adhesion and interfacial bonding between the filler and the polymer matrix due to good dispersion of the fillers in the polymer matrix. Degradation test showed a decrease in the mass of the composites after 180 days burial period indicating that the composite is degradable. The solvent imbibition test showed no increase in the mass of the composites after immersion in water for 72 hours at room temperature, indicating that the composite can be utilized in wet environments. Thus, from the findings, it is suggested that agro-wastes such as cassava peel and cowpea hull be employed as fillers in the manufacture of plastics like packaging containers, shoe soles. This is because the fillers are cheaper and viable and the produced plastics would degrade when discarded.