Tribo-mechanical and structural characterizations of LLDPE matrix bio-composite reinforced with almond shell micro-particles: effects of the processing methodology

Mongi Boujelben; Mohamed Abid; Mohamed Kharrat; Maher Dammak

doi:10.1515/ipp-2023-4384

Article

Tribo-mechanical and structural characterizations of LLDPE matrix bio-composite reinforced with almond shell micro-particles: effects of the processing methodology

Mongi Boujelben , Mohamed Abid , Mohamed Kharrat and Maher Dammak

Published/Copyright: April 16, 2024

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From the journal International Polymer Processing Volume 39 Issue 3

Abstract

The objective of this research work is to examine the effect of mixing operation in the reinforcement of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) with almond shell powder (ASP). Two groups of bio-composites mixed in solid state and melt extrusion state were developed by the standard thermo compression molding process. For each group of bio-composites developed, the mass percentage of ASP was varied from 5 % to 40 %. Tensile and friction tests and micro structural analyzes were carried out. The main results show that the addition of ASP particles: decreases the maximum tensile stress and increases the rigidity of the two types of bio-composites produced. A significant improvement was observed in terms of maximum stress and Young’s modulus of the bio-composites mixed in the molten state compared to those mixed in the solid state. Microscopic observations concluded that the melt-blended ASPs were better covered by the LLDPE matrix and the dispersion was successfully achieved. Friction tests have shown an improvement in tribological performance thanks to the addition of an optimal percentage of ASP equal to 20 % in the case of bio-composites mixed in the molten state. From this research work, it can be concluded that the LLDPE/ASP homogenization method influences the mechanical and tribological properties of bio-composites.

Keywords: bio-composites; almond shell powder; mixing in the solid state; mixing in the molten state; tribo-mechanical properties; microstructure

Corresponding author: Mohamed Kharrat, Laboratory of Electromechanical Systems, National School of Engineers of Sfax, University of Sfax, Soukra Road, Km 3.5, PO Box 1173, 3038 Sfax, Tunisia, E-mail: mohamed.kharrat@ipeis.rnu.tn

Research ethics: Not applicable.
Informed consent: Not applicable.
Author contributions: The authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.
Competing interests: The authors state no conflict of interest.
Research funding: None declared.
Data availability: Not applicable.

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Received: 2023-04-26

Accepted: 2024-04-03

Published Online: 2024-04-16

Published in Print: 2024-07-26

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Articles in the same Issue

https://doi.org/10.1515/ipp-2023-4384

Keywords for this article

bio-composites; almond shell powder; mixing in the solid state; mixing in the molten state; tribo-mechanical properties; microstructure