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Utilization of Maize Husk/Recycled Low Density Polyethylene Waste Materials for Composite Board Production

Omoyeni OP, Atuanya CU, Maddulety K, Aigbodion V

The compressive properties of developed maize husk/recycled low density polyethylene particulate composites (MHRLDPEpC) were investigated. The composites were produced by compounding and compressive moulding method. Emphasis was made to achieve a set of MHRLDPEpC process parameters that may yield optimum compressive properties. Thermogravimetric analyzer was used for the thermal analysis while Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used for the morphology of the optimal compressive sample. The effect of the selected process parameters on the compressive properties of MHRLDPEpC and the subsequent optimal settings of the parameters were obtained via Taguchi method of experimental design for four factors to three levels. The result indicates that the maize husk/recycled low density polyethylene (MH/ RLDPE) composition is the most significant parameter in deciding the compressive strength while pressure has the most insignificant parameter. The predicted optimal value of the compressive strength was 17.689 N/ mm2 with the confirmation experiment giving 17.901 N/mm2. The overall results obtained from the thermal analysis and morphology of the optimal compressive sample were found to be favorable, satisfactory and of good predictability.