Optimization of flexural and impact properties of r-LDPE-DPWF composite for printer parts production

Abstract

The circulation of recycled low density polyethylene (r-LDPE) globally, using Nigeria as point of reference is emphasized in this work. The need for combining r-LDPE with a less expensive organic fiber as an economical alternative material in panel production for printer component to reduce waste through recycling. In this study, the particle size (PS) and fiber content (FC) of date palm wood fiber (DPWF) in a r-LDPE matrix are essential factors to be considered for optimizing flexural strength (FS), flexural modulus (FM) and Izod impact strength (IIS) of r-LDPE-DPWF (recycled low density polyethylene-date palm wood fiber) composite for producing printer components. The variant FC and PS of the DPWF was compounded in r-LDPE matrix to optimize the FS, FM and IIS of r-LDPE-DPWF composite, using a central composite design (CCD) as a response surface methodology (RSM). The DPWF and r-LDPE-DPWF composite were analyzed by Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR). The results indicated that the FS, FM and IIS of r-LDPE-DPWF composite measured 46.66002 MPa, 1.150043 GPa and 1.99899 KJ × m-1 at optimal operation, respectively. Under these operating conditions, PS and FC were 60.78 mesh (250 μm) and 30 wt.-%, respectively. Finally, the main coefficient of determination (R2) for the factors correlated with the characteristics of the r-LDPE-DPWF composite at an approximate value of 1 with a differential error of RSM and experiment values < 0.05 %. It was concluded that the RSM model yielded the necessary parameters for the r-LDPE-DPWF composite to be considered as a potential material for printer components.