Influence of Compression Molding Parameters and Particle Weight on Flexural Property of Bamboo Leaves Reinforced Low Density Polyethylene Composite

Authors

  • J. M. Obodozie Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra state, Nigeria.
  • C.U. Atuanya Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra state, Nigeria.
  • C. M. Obele Department of Polymer and Textile Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra state, Nigeria.

Keywords:

Central Composite Design (CCD), Flexural strength, Compression molding, Polymer matrix composites (PMCs), Microstructure

Abstract

An entirely new eco-friendly thermo-plastic composite was produced from Recycled Low Density Polyethylene with chemically-treated Bamboo leaves particles as reinforcements, using compression molding. This work sought to study the effect of the compression molding parameters (such as press pressure, holding time and press temperature) and % particle weight on the flexural strength of the composite, and to suggest optimum conditions for obtaining optimum flexural strength for the composites using the central composite experimental design. Each of these parameters were taken in 3levels, and an experiment of 30 runs was conducted. Polynomial model with quadratic effect was selected, and model equation was generated for flexural strength using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The linear and quadratic effects of the chosen parameters were studied using contour diagrams. SEM analysis was also carried out on the optimized sample. Optimization showed a flexural strength of 5.51 MPa at press pressure of 6.00 MPa, press time of 5.50 mins and press temperature of 160.00oC.

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Published

2019-12-02

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 1 (2019): Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Section

Articles