Studies On Some Properties Of Snail Shell And Cassava Peel Powdered Polypropylene Composites.

Abstract

This study investigated some properties of snail and cassava peel-filled polypropylene composites. The snail shell and cassava peel powders of particle sizes (90µm) were incorporated into the polymer polypropylene matrix in a ratio of 14:3:3, 15:3:2 and 16:3:1 for polypropylene/snail shell/cassava peel; 17:3, 18:2 and 19:1 for polypropylene/cassava peel and 17:3, 18:2, 19:1 for polypropylene/snail shell powdered composites. The mixtures were prepared using injection molding machines at a hopper temperature of 2000 C and at a rotor speed of 60rpm and at an average thickness of 3.00mm in accordance with American Society of Testing and Materials Standard, to determine the mechanical properties of the composite. The rates of bio-degradation and water absorption of the composites were also investigated for 120 days and 42 days respectively. Results showed that the tensile properties, the flexural properties as well as impact strength of the composite decreased with reference to the same properties of the neat polypropylene. However, the tensile properties, flexural properties and impact strength to these composites increased with increasing filler content loading. Again, from the results, the rate of bio-degradation and water absorption increased with increasing filler content loading. The results showed that the incorporation of cassava peel and snail shell powders into polypropylene matrix decreased the mechanical properties of the composite while the rate of bio-degradation and water absorption increased with time.