CHARACTERIZATION OF RECYCLED LINEAR DENSITY POLYETHYLENE/IMPERATA CYLINDRICA PARTICULATE COMPOSITES

Abstract

Water-sachets made from low density polyethylene (LDPE) form a bulk of plastic wastes which creates environmental challenges, while certain species of plants like Imperata cylindrica constitute large portion of weeds on farm lands. As a technological approach to the reduction and utilization of these materials, composites of Imperata cylindrica (IC) particulate and synthetic polymer (from recycled waste water-sachets) were produced and evaluated for several mechanical and physical properties. The production of the composites and testing were done using the standard methods available in the literature. The results showed an increase in tensile modulus, hardness, impact strength, and water absorption of the composite in comparison with unreinforced polymer, as the IC particulate loading increased from 5 wt% to 30 wt%. However, there was a decrease in tensile strength, percentage elongation at break and density of the composite as the particulate loading increased from 5 wt% to 30 wt%. The combination of the recycled waste water-sachets and IC particulate is really promising for composites development. This creates opportunities to reduce LDPE wastes and add economic importance to an otherwise agricultural menace. It will mean creating an economic value from “wastes”.