Optimization of Process Parameter for Sawdust/Recycled Polyethylene Composites

In this paper, Okhuen wood sawdust and recycled polyethylene (RLDPE) were blended and then hot-pressed to produce sawdust/recycled polyethylene composite board. The optimum processing parameters for preparing the composite such as temperature, pressing time, sawdust/RLDPE content and pressure were investigated and optimized using L9 (34) Taguchi experimental design orthogonal array. The tensile strength of the various formulations was determined. The results show that those factors made different effects on the tensile strength of the composites. The optimized process conditions obtained are as follows: press time 7 min, press temperature 180°C, saw-dust/RLDPE 60:40%, press pressure 40kg/cm2. The average tensile strength of the optimized composite board was 13.991 MPa. The composite board met the standard for general purpose applications.

Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Recycled Mixed Waste Polymers Reinforced with Reclaimed Newsprint Fibres

This study investigates the mechanical,thermal and morphological properties of rHDPE(Recycled High Density Polyethylene)and a mixture of rPE HD/LD(High and Low Density Polyethylene),both reinforced with rNP(Reclaimed Newsprint Paper)fibres.To enhance the composite properties,the addition of highly grafted maleic anhydride polyethylene wax,as CA(Coupling Agent),and semi crystalline copolymer of propylene and ethylene,as IM(Impact Modifier),was included into the material formulation by a twin-screw extruder.Mechanical and morphological properties were studied on tensile test specimens,prepared by injection moulding,by tensile testing machine and SEM(Scanning Electron Microscope),respectively.Thermal properties,i.e.melting and crystallization behaviour,were investigated by DSC(Differential Scanning Calorimetry).Mechanical analysis showed that the addition of rNP in both composites increased the young modulus and significantly decreased the elongation at break.The DSC results revealed that the addition of the rNP in the rHDPE matrix led to a substantial decrease of crystallinity,which consequently affects the tensile strength of the composite(17 MPa)in contrast to the neat rHDPE(25 MPa).On the contrary,fibre addition in rPE HD/LD matrix had no specific impact on the crystallinity index,but did contribute to the increased tensile strength(26 MPa)when compared with neat rPE HD/LD(16 MPa).SEM photomicrographs of the impact fracture surfaces demonstrated a solid adhesion bond between the natural fibres and the rPE HD/LD matrix.Reclaimed newsprint fibres can thus be considered as a perspective alternative to the inorganic fillers in the rPE HD/LD composite.