THE EFFECTS OF BAMBOO POWDER ON SOME MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF RECYCLED LOW DENSITY POLYETHYLENE (RLDPE) COMPOSITES

Despite the advantages that plastics have over the conventional materials, there are also some problems and challenges they pose to the industrial world. Many parts of the world including Nigeria face serious problems of managing the generation and disposal of plastic wastes. To reduce the volume of plastic wastes that go to landfills or litters the environment, there are three alternatives: recycling, incineration and biodegradation. In this research work, the effects of bamboo powder filler on some mechanical properties of recycled low density polyethylene (RLDPE) composites were studied. Pure water sachets and Bamboo stems were sourced. Recycling of Plastics (Low Density Polyethylene, LDPE) and the preparation of RLDPE/BP composites were carried out using locally made Laboratory-size Agglomerating Machine (agglomerator) and Single-Screw Extrusion Machine. The results of the mechanical tests carried out showed that the tensile strength and elongation at break decreased with increasing filler loading for RLDPE composites while the stiffness (Young’s Modulus) of the composites increased with increasing filler loading. These results produced materials with lower void content that decreased the water sorption level with slight increase in the specific gravity of the composites. Bamboo powder incorporation to the RLDPE, also, enhanced the flame retardant property of the composites.