The Effect of Walnut Shell Powder on the Properties of Polypropylene Filled Composite

The effect of particle size and filler content on the mechanical and end-use properties of walnut shell powder filled polypropylene have been investigated at filler contents of 0 to 20 wt % and particle sizes of 0.100, 0.200, and 0.300mm. The polypropylene composites were melt-blended and homogenized in an injection moulding machine. Experimental results showed that for all the particle size of walnut shell powdered filler considered the tensile strength, elongation at break, and flexural strength of the polypropylene composites decreased with increase in walnut shell filler contents. However, the hardness and specific gravity of the composites were found to increase with increase in filler loadings and particle sizes. The water absorption properties of the composites as a function of filler content increased with increase in walnut shell filler content and also decreased with reduction in the particle sizes. The incorporation of walnut shell powder into the polypropylene was inefficient in reducing the flame propagation rate of polypropylene. Keywords: