EFFECT OF FILLER BLEND COMPOSITION ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF HDPE/CASSAVA/WOOD FLOUR COMPOSITES

Authors

  • I. C. MADUFOR Department of Polymer and Textile Engineering, Federal University of Technology. Imo State, Nigeria Author
  • M. S. NWAKAUDU Department of Chemical Engineering. Federal University of Technology, Imo State, Nigeria Author

Keywords:

Composites, High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Cassava Flour, Wood Flour

Abstract

The maximum tensile strength observed in the composite was 8.813Mpa with total filler content of 30% of cassava and wood flour while the unfilled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) was 12.231Mpa. Strength values of 8.317MPa, 7.572MPa and 8.59MPa were obtained for composites with total filler content of 15%, 35% and 40% respectively.

The highest elongation at break of the composite was observed in sample with 30% cassava flour. 50% wood flour filler content exhibited the least break elongation. Above 40% total filler content, the Young's modulus decreases swiftly to 0. The results showed that 15% wood flour only and 40% total filler improved significantly the modulus (2% Secant). Viable compression moulded plastics can be formulated from cassava and wood flours to form composites with high-density polyethylene for applications in furniture and allied industries.

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Published

2010-06-30

Issue

Vol. 45 No. 2 (2010): NSE TECHNICAL TRANSACTION JOURNAL (NSE TT-J)

Section

Articles