Author(s)

M. C. Ekwedigwe, E. E. Nnuka, C. U. Atuanya

Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.

The evaluation of bean pod ash particles on the properties of recycled low density polyethylene (RLDPE) composites was studied. The RLDPE/bean pod ash particles (CBPp) composites were produced using compounding and compressive moulding techniques. Factorial design of experiment and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed for optimization. The mechanical properties and microstructure of the composites were determined. The results obtained showed that the optimum values of flexural strength were obtained at 140°C, 12 minutes, 40 wt% CBPp and 6 Mpa. The hardness values, tensile and bending strengths of the composite increased by the addition of beans pod ash particles to RLDPE composites. Compressive properties of RLDPE matrix and composites were 13.00 and 18.25 N/mm2. The fairly uniform distribution of the bean pod ash particles in the microstructure of the composites is the major factor responsible for the improvement in the mechanical properties. The obtained results of the developed composites have shown that the beans pod waste could be used as a biodegradable eco-friendly reinforcement.

Microstructure, Mechanical Properties, Statistical Studies and Composites Fabrication

Ekwedigwe, M.C., Nnuka, E.E. and Atuanya, C.U. (2015) Experimental Evaluation of the Mechanical Properties of Recycled Low Density Polyethylene/Bean Pod Ash Particulate Bio-Composites. Journal of Minerals and Materials Characterization and Engineering, 3, 362-372. doi: 10.4236/jmmce.2015.35039.