The use of low linear density polyethylene in the production of LLDPE-sand-stone composites.
Date
2015-11-10
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Abstract
The efficient management of plastic wastes is a great challenge for most developing
countries. This study examined the effect of melt blending a waste low linear density
polyethylene film popularly called “sachet water” into sand and granite and forming a
composite of different ratios. The polymeric material was shredded and melted in an
aluminium pot at a temperature range of 110 ºC - 120 ºC and added to granite and sand in
ratios of 9 %, 12.5 %, 14 %, 25 % and 28. 5%. Studies involved determining the effect of
sulphuric acid, water and sodium carbonate on the composite material. The mechanical
properties determined were the compressive strength on the composite materials produced.
The impact strength was also determined on the composite material. FTIR analyses were
carried out on all the initial compounds used and the final composite product formed. The
compressive strength of the composite block increased as the weight of the polymeric
material was increased. As the ratios of the polymeric material was increased in the
composite from 9 % to 25 %, the compressive strength of the polymeric composite increased
for both 7 days and 28 days. The most compatible and suitable composite material produced
was at 25 % loading of the polymeric material and at 28.5 % loading of the polymeric
material the compressive strength reduced from the maximum peak. The composite material
had maximum impact strength of 80.442J.
The use of waste LLDPE films carries the advantage and cheap means of using it in
lightweight construction works and is an alternative way to utilize plastic waste
Description
thesis submitted to the Department Of chemistry in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of Master Of Philosophy Degree (MPHIL) In Polymer Science and Technology, 2015