Effect of different particle and mercerization content on properties of recycled low density Polyethylene/peanut husk biocomposites

Abstract

This research is focused on the utilization of peanut husk (PH) as a fillers with recycled low density polyethylene (rLDPE) biocomposites. The treated and untreated of biocomposites films of PH and rLDPE with different filler content were prepared by using twin screw extruder in the rotor speed of 50 rpm and at 180 ºC and mixed samples were then compress by using a hydraulic hot press at the same temperature to form sheet samples biocomposites. The effect of alkaline treatment on biocomposites were determined. All the biocomposites were characterized by tensile test, water absorption test, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. From the result obtained, the tensile strength and break of elongation of untreated and treated rLDPE/PH composites decreased with increasing fillers content. Meanwhile, the modulus of elasticity is increased. Composites treated with NaOH alkaline treatment showed the increasing tensile strength and modulus of elasticity but decreasing in break of elongation as compared with untreated composites. In water absorption testing, the result showed that is increased in water absorption with increasing filler contents. While, alkali treated composites showed decrement in water absorption with increasing concentration of NaoH as compared with untreated composites due to the removal of hydroxyl group in PH fillers after treatment. From the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) study, the treated composites tensile surface became rougher compared with untreated composites which is because of the removal of cementing materials. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis shows that addition concentration of alkaline causes decreased in the O-H bond and C-H bond.