Mechanical, dynamic mechanical, and thermal characterization of fly ash and nanostructured fly ash‐waste polyethylene/high‐density polyethylene blend composites

Abstract

Disposal of polyethylene used as carry bags is the greatest challenge increasing day by day. Composite materials were prepared by mixing Fly ash (FA) and nanostructured fly ash (NFA) from thermal power station as filler and blends of Waste polyethylene (WPE)(-carry bags) collected from municipal solid waste (MSW) with virgin high-density polyethylene (HDPE) as matrix. Different modifications were induced to improve the overall properties of these composites. At first, the WPE/HDPE blend matrix was modified by grafting with maleic anhydride (MA) and the composite prepared with FA/NFA. Then, the WPE/HDPE-FA/NFA composite as a whole was treated with electron beam irradiation at 250 kGy radiation dose and finally the FA/ NFA filler was treated with radiation dose of 250 kGy and the composite prepared. Significant enhancement in tensile strength, flexural strength, flexural modulus, and hardness are observed for MA modified and irradiated composites, the increase being more prominent in irradiated composites. Furthermore, an increase in storage/loss moduli with enhanced thermal stability was observed with the addition of FA/NFA and upon modifications. The analysis of the tensile fractured surfaces by scanning electron microscopy was in well correlation with the mechanical properties obtained. In summary, after analyzing the effects of the three different modifications on mechanical, dynamic mechanical and thermal properties, the irradiation on to the WPE/ HDPE-FA/NFA composites investigated was selected as the most appropriate for future applications. POLYM.

A critical review on tribological properties, thermal behavior, and different applications of industrial waste reinforcement for composites

“…The strong interfacial bonding and higher strength of bonding are the primary reasons for such behavior of composites. 98 Uju and Ogucha investigated the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of stir-casted FA–A535 alloy composite and observed that CTE decreased with the addition of FA and SiC particles. Such a behavior is attributed to the presence of voids and development of thermal stresses in the matrix–filler interphase.…”

Effects of fly ash and intumescent flame retardant on thermal, burning, and mechanical properties of polyethylene composites

“…Meanwhile, fly ashes, which are by-products of pulverized coal-fired power plants, were also used to improve the properties of polyethylene composite materials. [35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44] In addition, the use of fly ash as a filler has environmental and economic advantages. 45 Since the chemical compositions and physical properties of fly ashes may vary depending on the coal and the combustion systems, different results were reported on the effects of fly ash additions on mechanical, thermal, and burning properties.…”