Mechanical Characterization of Camel’s Foot (Piliostigma reticulatum) Fiber - Reinforced Recycled Low Density Polyethylene (rLDPE) Composite

Authors: Kolo, L.A.M., Hammajam, A.A., Abba-Aji, M.A., And Shettima, I.I.

DOI Info: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.12599485

ABSTRACT

A study on the mechanical characterization of camel’s foot fiber (CFF) reinforced recycled low density polyethylene (rLDPE) composite was conducted. The fiber and the matrix were locally source within University of Maiduguri community. The composites were produced by compounding process accompanied by compression molding techniques with varying percentage proportion from 0 to 25 wt % fibers loadings. The tensile, flexural and impact tests were conducted in accordance with ASTM D-638, D-790 and D-156 respectively. The tensile strength test result shows that the tensile strength of the composite increases with increase in fiber loadings to optimum value of 18.27 MPa at 15 wt % fiber loading. However, further fiber loadings resulted in decrease in tensile strength of the composites. The impact strength of the composites increases from 1,515 to 1,722 J / m2 at 0 to 5 wt % fiber loading respectively. Subsequent fiber loadings recorded progressive slight decrease in impact strength. The flexural strength of the composite also increased with fiber loading to maximum value of 207.03 MPa at 10 wt % fibers loading but subsequently reduces with further fiber loadings. The scanning electron microscopy micrograph suggested good interfacial fiber-matrix bonding at certain fiber loadings. The composite produced can be use in the production of hand washing containers based on the mechanical properties exhibited.

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