Development of green thermoplastic composites from Centella spent and study of its physicomechanical, tribological, and morphological characteristics

Abstract

To enhance biodegradability of plastics and to utilize Centella spent (CTS) gainfully, green composites were prepared using high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and CTS. The green composites were fabricated by extrusion, followed by injection molding. HDPE/CTS composites were fabricated with 10, 20, and 30 wt% of CTS using maleic anhydride-grafted-polyethylene (MA-g-PE) as compatibilizer. The fabricated composites were tested for physicomechanical and tribological properties, which included water absorption, density, tensile properties, and three-body abrasive wear test. Tensile modulus of composites increased from 579 MPa to 950 MPa (64% improvement) with increase in filler addition from 0% to 30%. The experimentally obtained tensile property values including tensile strength, tensile modulus, and tensile elongation at break were compared with theoretical model values. The effects of 150, 300, 450, and 600 m abrading distances and 23.5 and 33.5 N normal loads at 200 r/min on the abrasive wear characteristics were studied using dry sand/rubber wheel abrasive test rig. Incorporation of CTS filler lowered the abrasion resistance of HDPE/CTS composites. The surface morphology of tensile-fractured specimens and worn surface features of composite specimens were examined by scanning electron microscopy

    Similar works