Production of Polymer Composite using Thermoplastics, Sharp Sand and Sawdust: Mix Techniques

Ikenyiri P.N.; ISOR B.B.; Ukpaka C.P.; Izionwuru V.

Abstract

This research work focuses on producing a polymer composite using a thermoplastic. PET is nonbiodegradable and contribute majorly to water and land pollution in this research work an attempt has been made to utilize PET waste plastic in manufacturing fibre-reinforced polymer composite by combining sawdust which is another waste product from woodwork operations and sand, a major component in construction, whose use is greatly threatening the ecosystem. The fibre-reinforced polymers composite was combined in ratios 0:0:10, 0:1:9, 1:1:8, 1:2:7 and 1:3:6. These ratios determined the weight percent of each component. The different ratios have been studied and discovered that the density of the fibre reinforced polymer composites reduced from 1.38g/cm3 to 1.0676 g/cm3 as the ratio of PET was reducing in the composite and sawdust was increasing. The % water absorption was observed to range from 0.3147 to 5.53 and the compressive strength from 1.792 to 3.689 N/mm2 . PET plastic was used as resin matrix in producing fibre-reinforced polymer composite and sawdust was applied as biofillers or natural (green) fibres. After complying with all the methodologies adopted for this research work, the aim and objectives of the research was achieved accurately. This means that it is very much possible to produce a polymer composite with the use of thermoplastic, sharp sand and sawdust as a raw material.