Browsing by Author "Ezeibekwe, Stephen Uzodinma"

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    Studies of mechanicl properties of watermelon ring/pawpaw peel reinforced polyethlene composites
    (Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2016-06) Ezeibekwe, Stephen Uzodinma
    Some mechanical properties of water melon rind and pawpaw peel reinforced Low density polyethylene (LDPE) and Linear Low Density, (LLDPE) composites have been studied. Two sets of filler loaded LDPE and LLDPE composites were prepared using the injection moulding techniques at a processing temperature of 190 0C Dispersing agent, silicon oil, was added to the composite as a plasticizer to improve flow, processability and to reduce the brittleness of the product. A comprehensive range of mechanical properties: tensile strength, (modulus of elasticity, elongation at break, elongation at yield), impact energy test and hardness test were carried out. Tensile properties of the composite showed an increase in tensile modulus, impact energy test, hardness test, a decline, in elongation at yield and break with increasing filler loading. The tensile strength was enhanced with the incorporation of the two fillers up to 20% filler loading and then decreased with further addition of filler. The result obtained showed that pawpaw peel and water melon rind can be used as reinforcing fillers in thermoplastics and secondly, development of composites, enhances their mechanical properties.