Search

This study investigates the effect of the addition of nanoclay (Cloisite 20A) on some mechanical properties, % relative brightness (ΔLrel) and total colour change (ΔEab) of high density polyethylene (HDPE)/pistachio shell flour (PSF) composites when exposed to accelerated weathering conditions. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of samples containing 3 and 6 per hundred composite (phc) of nanoclay indicated partial exfoliation and intercalation. The tensile modulus and tensile strength of HDPE/PSF composites (without nanoclay) decreased when the exposure time increased to 1500 h, while the tensile modulus and tensile strength increased. For samples with nanoclay, ΔLrel and ΔEab increased upon accelerated weathering conditions up to 500 h, and thereafter remained constant. But results show that ΔLrel and ΔEab increased significantly upon accelerated weathering exposure in HDPE/PSF samples up to 1500 h. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results after 1500 h exposure to weathering condition showed signs of the presence of cracks in samples without nanoclay, unlike the samples with nanoclay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, for the first time, the effects were investigated of nanoclay as a secondary reinforcement, titanium dioxide (TiO2) and hindered amine light stabilizer (HALS) as UV stabilizers on some properties of high density polyethylene (HDPE)/pistachio shell flour (PSF) composite as the new wood plastic composite (WPC). WPCs of HDPE/PSF with different levels of nanoclay (Cloisite 20A), TiO2 and HALS were prepared. Some properties were investigated before exposure to weathering conditions. Design of experiments (DOE) was carried out to find the best formulation and decrease the number of tests. WPC granules were prepared by melt-mixing method using a twin screw extruder, and then moulded using an injection moulding machine to prepare samples. The results of X-ray diffractometry (XRD) indicated partial exfoliation and intercalation of samples containing 3 and 6 per hundred composite (phc) of nanoclay. The tensile strength and modulus of HDPE/PSF samples containing 3 and 6 phc nanoclay showed 20% increase compared to samples without nanoclay. The presence of TiO2 and HALS in the formulation did not have a significant effect on tensile properties. The nanoclay presence in HDPE/ PSF formulation improved the water absorption resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]