Potential of Using Recycled Low-Density Polyethylene in Wood Composites Board

The aim of this study was to investigate the suitability of using recycled low density polyethylene (RLDPE) in wood board manufacturing. The composite board was produced by compressive moulding by increasing the percentage LDPE from 30 to 50wt% with interval of 10wt% at a temperatures of 140 and 180oC, pressure of 30-40 Kg/cm2 and pressing time 7-13minutes. The microstructure and mechanical properties: modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), Tensile strength, impact strength properties of boards were determined. The results showed that high modulus of rupture of 20.31N/mm2and MOE of 1363N/mm2 were obtained from board produced at 140oC, 60/40wt% wood particles/LDPE content. The uniform distribution of the particles and the recycled LDPE in the microstructure of the composites board is the major factor responsible for the improvement in the mechanical properties. The results showed that the MOE, MOR meets the minimum requirements of the European standards, for general purpose. The boards produced had tensile strength that is within the requirement. Hence this LDPE can be used in board production for general purpose applications

Cephalic Tetanus: A Case Report

A case report of cephalic tetanus in a 2-year-old girl who was not immunized against tetanus following suppurative otitis media (SOM) is presented. This case is reported because of the rarity of cephalic tetanus associated with high mortality, to highlight the risk of cephalic tetanus as sequelae of SOM and the need for proper aural care and prompt treatment of SOM. Primary immunization of all eligible children as well as booster vaccination at appropriate time as an effective management strategy for tetanus is emphasized

Optimization of processing parameters and its effect on the mechanical properties of recycled low density polyethylene composite reinforced with Tetracarpidium conophorum shell particulates

This work explored the effect of African Walnut Shell Particle (AWSP) ( Tetracarpidium conophorum) on the properties of recycled low density polyethylene (rLDPE) composite. rLDPE/ AWSP composite were prepared via compressive moulding techniques using AWSP of sizes 300 and 600 μ m respectively. Composite design of experiment and analysis of variant (ANOVA) were employed for optimization. Mechanical and morphological analysis of the composite were studied. rLDPE reinforced with AWSP of particle size 300 μ m exhibited better tensile strength, modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) than those of 600 μ m. Morphological analysis showed that uniform distribution of the Walnut shell particulates in the microstructure of the composite is the major factor responsible for the improvement in the mechanical properties. Optimality occurred at a press temperature of 206.465 °C, press time of 10 min, press pressure of 7 MPa yielding a tensile strength of 14.082 MPa, MOR of 17.019 MPa and MOE of 755.028 MPa for 300 μ m particle sized composite whereas for 600 μ m size, it was achieved at press temperature of 199.993 °C, press time of 6 min, press pressure of 7 MPa giving a tensile strength of 11.252 MPa, MOR of 15.401 MPa and MOE of 459.531 MPa respectively. The result from the optimization met the standard for interior and exterior mirror casing of automobiles

Eco-Friendly (Water Melon Peels): Alternatives to Wood-based Particleboard Composites

The aim of this study was to investigate the suitability of using water melon peels as alternatives to wood-based particleboard composites. The water melon peels composite boards were produced by compressive moulding using recycled low density polyethylene (RLDPE) as a binder. The RLDPE was varies from 30 to 70wt% with interval of 10wt%. The microstructure, water absorption(WA), thickness swelling index(TS), modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), internal bonding strength(IB), impact strength and wear properties of the boards were determined. The results showed that high modulus of rupture of 11.45N/mm2, MOE of 1678N/mm2, IB of 0.58N/mm2, wear rate of 0.31g were obtained from particleboard produced at 60wt%RLDPE. The uniform distribution of the water melon particles and the RLDPE in the microstructure of the composites board is the major factor responsible for the improvement in the mechanical properties. The results showed that the MOE, MOR and IB meet the minimum requirements of the European standards, for general purpose like panelling, ceiling, partitioning. Hence, water melon particles can be used as a substitute to wood-based particleboard for general purpose applications also besides being environmental friendly of using watermelon and RLDPE in production of particleboard, this alternative to wood-based particleboard is very cost-effective