Impact of hybrid nanosilica and nanoclay on the properties of palm rachis-reinforced recycled linear low-density polyethylene composites

Abstract

The main goal of this work was to assess the technical feasibility of palm rachis (PR) as a reinforcing agent in the production of wood–plastic composites. Recycled linear low-density polyethylene/PR fiber composites were prepared at constant content (3 phc (per hundred compounds)) of maleic anhydride-grafted polyethylene as compatibilizer by melt blending method utilizing a two-roll mill and compression molding. The effect of nanosilica (NS), nanoclay (NC), and hybrid nanoparticles (NSNC) at different concentrations (2, 4, and 6 phc) on mechanical, physical, thermal, and morphological properties was investigated. The results of mechanical properties measurements demonstrated that when 6 phc NS, 4 phc NC, and 4 phc NSNC were added, tensile, modulus strength, and hardness reached their optimum values. At a high level of NC loading (6 phc), the increased populace of NC layers led to agglomeration and stress transfer gets restricted. Elongation at break and Izod impact strength were decreased by the incorporation of different nanoparticles. Water absorption and thickness swelling of prepared composites were found to decrease on the incorporation of NS and NC. In addition, the thermal stability showed slightly improved by the addition of nanoparticles, but there are no perceptible changes in the values of melting temperature by increasing the content of NS and NC or NSNC. Scanning electron microscopy study approved the good interaction of the PR fibers with the polymer matrix as well as the effectiveness of NS and NC in the improvement of the interaction. The finding indicated that wood–plastic composite treated by NS had the highest properties than other composites.

Morphological, mechanical, and physical properties of ground rubber tire thermoplastic elastomer/rubberwood sawdust composites: Effects of composition contents and rubber types

“…The agglomeration of the filler particles in the composites structure indicated that the interaction between the polymer matrixes and the filler particles was weak. 18,19 Wu et al 20 also mentioned that the increasing agglomeration, gaps, and cavities would accelerate the moisture absorption and reduce the mechanical properties of the polymer composites, while Obada et al 21 reported that the good dispersion of fillers in the polymer matrix could significantly improve the mechanical properties of the polymer composites. In addition, the TPE/RWS composites with a GRT/PP blend of a 30/70 ratio (Figure 1(a)) exhibited rougher fractured surfaces and more porosities than the composites blended with a 40/60 ratio (Figure 1(d)), whereas the composites with a NR/PP blend of a 30/70 ratio (Figure 2(a)) showed lower micro porous than blending with a 40/60 ratio (Figure 2(d)).…”

A comparative study on effects of layered double hydroxide (LDH) and halloysite nanotube (HNT) on the physical, mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties of reed flour/polyvinyl chloride composites

“…Similar observations have been recorded by previous studies. [34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50]…”

“…This result is consistent with the general observation that the introduction of nano-sized particles into a polymer matrix increases its tensile properties. [34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44] The enhancement is attributed to the high aspect ratio, as well as the surface area of stiff silicate layers in the polymer matrix that result in a higher extent of interaction with the polymer chains, and good interfacial adhesion between the nanoclay particles and the polymer matrix, so that the mobility of polymer chains is restricted under loading. [34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44] Nevertheless, with a further increase in the mLDH clay loadings (from 3 to 5 phc), a decrease in the strength and modulus of the samples was observed.…”

“…[34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44] The enhancement is attributed to the high aspect ratio, as well as the surface area of stiff silicate layers in the polymer matrix that result in a higher extent of interaction with the polymer chains, and good interfacial adhesion between the nanoclay particles and the polymer matrix, so that the mobility of polymer chains is restricted under loading. [34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44] Nevertheless, with a further increase in the mLDH clay loadings (from 3 to 5 phc), a decrease in the strength and modulus of the samples was observed. The possible reason for this kind of behavior may be attributed to the agglomeration of the clay or the formation of interconnected masses of the clay at the fracture points, which led to induced local stress concentrations, hence initiating microcracks in the WPCs.…”

“…[24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33] The positive effects of organ-modified montmorillonite (OMMT) as the most famous and widely used nanoclay on the characteristics of the thermoplastic composites filled with the lignocellulosic fillers were reported in previous research studies. [34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44] But, the impacts of other types of nanoclay such as LDH and HNT on the technological properties of WPCs have not been comprehensively explored. Furthermore, there is little information available on the performance aspects of fiber-reinforced composites employing LDH or HNT.…”