Evaluation of the Flexural Strength, Sorption, Rheological and Thermal Properties of Corncob Plastic Composites
Journal: International Journal of Advanced Engineering Research and Science (Vol.5, No. 11)Publication Date: 2018-11-01
Authors : Olufemi O. Adefisan Armando G. McDonald;
Page : 18-25
Keywords : Corncobs; flexural properties; particle size; plastic composites.;
Abstract
Plastic composites were made from corncobs and high density polyethylene (HDPE) by extrusion and evaluated. The composites were manufactured using two different screened corncob particle size fractions (<2 mm and <0.5 mm) and tested for flexural properties, water sorption, melt flow and thermal properties. The melt viscosities at 190oC were 18.0 ± 0.8 kPa•s (<2 mm) and 24.0 ± 0.6 kPa•s (<0.5 mm). The results obtained indicated that the composites made with the smaller particle size fraction had higher flexural strength (31.7 ± 1.7 MPa) and modulus of elasticity (1.4 ± 0.1 GPa) than those made with the larger particle size fraction (21.2 ± 1.4 MPa and 1.1 ± 0.1 GPa). Also, the composites made with the smaller particles and were more dimensionally stable. Corncob composites had thermal stability range of 259 – 274oC (onset degradation temperature). The corncob composites made with smaller sized particles possessed better properties in comparison with those made from the <2 mm. Particle size and density significantly affected the mechanical, physical and thermal properties of the composites evaluated.
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