Open AccessComparing the Effect of Fillers on the Mechanical Properties of Recycled Low Density Polyethylene Composites Under Non-Weathered and Weathered Conditions
Author(s) -
Olutosin Olufisayo Ilori,
Ibiyemi A. Idowu,
Kehinde M. Adeleke
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
european journal of engineering and technology research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2736-576X
DOI - 10.24018/ejeng.2018.3.5.707
Subject(s) - talc , materials science , polyethylene , low density polyethylene , composite material , weathering , ultimate tensile strength , geology , geomorphology
This work compared the effect of fillers on the mechanical properties of recycled low-density polyethylene composites under non-weathered and weathered conditions. Pure water sachet wastes, glass wastes were sourced from dump-site at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, while the talc was sourced from Lagere, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Recycling of plastic bags (low-density polyethylene) and the preparation of recycled low-density polyethylene (RLDPE)/glass, RLDPE/ talc and RLDPE/glass/talc composites were carried out using a furnace at compositions of 0 to 40% in steps of 10% by weight. The mixtures were then poured into hand-laid mould for tensile, impact and hardness tests. The samples were divided into two groups; one group was subjected to natural weathering conditions. The results of mechanical tests carried out were subjected to a paired t-test. The study concluded that there was no significant difference between the non-weathered and weathered samples. This implies that both talc and glass were able to reinforce recycled low density polyethylene (RLDPE) under both conditions and can help resist degradation.