Effect of Agro-Waste (Arundo donax) L Particles on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Polymer Composites

Abstract

The dimensional stability and strength properties of Wood Plastic Composites (WPC) produced from Arundo donax, and recycled high density polyethylene (RHDPE) were investigated in this study. The stems of Arundo donax plant was milled into particles and thoroughly sieved with wire mesh of size 250 µm and oven dried to attain very low moisture content of 2 percent at controlled temperature of 103 ^oC for 24 h. The fine particles of Arundo donax and plastic were compounded at ratio 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3 (w/w). The WPC samples were treated with a coupling agent of maleic anhydride polyethylene at 5% constant proportion. The composite specimens produced were subjected to physical and mechanical properties in accordance to ASTM standards. The dimensional properties which include water absorption, linear expansion and thickness swelling at the periods of 24 h were investigated. The density, flexural modulus and strength were also determined. The results indicate that there were significant variations among the group at 5 % level of probability. It was observed that as the proportion of plastic increases to plant, the density and dimensional properties of the boards' decreases. So also in mechanical properties, as the proportion of plastic increases, the modulus of the board increases while the strength decreases respectively. The boards produced in this study were remarkably good in dimensional stability and mechanical properties. The shows better strength in relation to utilization based on the relationship of the densities to the strength values. Based on this study, an agro-waste like Arundo donax can be used for the manufacture of wood plastic composite.