PRODUCTION OF PLASTIC MOULDS FOR MAKING INTERLOCKING TILES FROM RECYCLED LOW-DENSITY POLYETHYLENE (RLDPE) AND SAWDUST COMPOSITE
The increasing environmental concerns regarding plastic waste and the need for sustainable materials in manufacturing have highlighted the importance of utilizing recycled materials. This study addresses the challenge of repurposing waste plastics and sawdust, which are often underutilized, by developing a composite material suitable for producing durable plastic moulds. The aim of the research was to evaluate the mechanical properties of composites made from recycled Low-Density Polyethylene (rLDPE) and sawdust for potential manufacturing applications. Composites with varying proportions of rLDPE and sawdust were fabricated using a compression moulding machine. Mechanical properties, including tensile strength, elastic modulus, hardness, and compressive strength, were measured. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and thermal analysis were also conducted to assess loss modulus and thermal stability. The results showed that a composite with 15% sawdust and 85% rLDPE exhibited the best overall performance, achieving a tensile strength of 23.08 MPa, elastic modulus of 182.7 MPa, hardness of 54.03 Hv, and compressive strength of 12.61 MPa. DMA revealed a loss modulus of 27.0 MPa at a peak temperature of 94.6°C, indicating enhanced stiffness and thermal stability due to sawdust reinforcement. The study concludes that the 85/15 rLDPE/sawdust composite offers significant potential as a sustainable material for manufacturing durable plastic moulds, including applications like interlocking tiles. It is recommended that future research investigate the long-term durability and environmental impact of these composites under real-world conditions.
Authors : Elakhe, P.O. and Agboola, O.F.
Category : Open Access Volume (Issue) : 10(1) Date Uploaded : 5th January 2025