Mechanical, Biodegradation and Water Absorption Properties of Linear Low Density Polyethylene Composites: Effects of Eggshell and De-oiled Cashew nutshell

Abstract

The effects of de-oiled cashew nutshell powder (CNSP) and eggshell powder (ESP) on the physical,mechanical, water absorption and biodegradation properties of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) composites were studied. The LLDPE composites were prepared with 150μm particle sizes of 30%wt. ESP and varying amount of CNSP (10, 20, 30 wt.%) using injection molding machine at a hopper and nozzle temperatures of 200oC and 220oC respectively and at rotor speed of 60rpm. Results showed that the tensile, flexural and impact properties decreased with increasing CNSP filler. Whilst the mechanical properties of ESP-filled composites were lower than those of the non-ESP composites, there was a drastic drop in the composite with 20%wt. CNSP. The water absorption rates of the composites increased with duration and increasing CNSP amount for both the ESP and non-ESP composites. Similarly, the rates of biodegradation of the composites increased with duration and increasing CNSP for the composites.