The physio-mechanical properties of recycled low density polyethylene (RLDPE)/bean pod ash particulate composites

This work presents a systematic approach to evaluate the physio-mechanical properties of bean pod ash particles (BPAp) reinforced recycled polyethylene (RLDPE) polymer based composites. The bean pod ash particles of 75 lm with a weight percentage of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 (wt%) and recycled polyethylene (RLDPE) were prepared. The surface morphology, physical and the mechanical properties of the composites were examined. The results showed that the fair distribution of the bean pod ash particles in the microstructure of the polymer composites is the major factor responsible for the improvement in the mechanical properties. The bean pod ash particles added to the RLDPE polymer increased the percentage of water absorption and improved its rigidity, modulus and hardness values of the composites. The tensile and flexural strengths increased to a maximum of 20.1 and 39.0 N/mm(2) at 20 wt% BPAp respectively. Based on the results obtained in this study, it is recommended that the composites can be used in the production of indoor and outdoor applications. (C) 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.