Characterisation and Performance of Low-Density Poly Ethylene-Corn Flour Composites

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the effects of corn flour fillers on the mechanical and thermal properties and surface morphology of low-density polyethylene composites. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and low density polyethylene/corn flour (LDPE/CF) with different loadings of CF (5% ‐ 20% w/w) were prepared in an internal mixer type Z - Blade mixer at 190°C and rotor speed of 50 rpm. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry ( DSC ) and tensile tests were analysed to investigate thermal and mechanical properties. Tensile tests displayed an increase in the tensile strength and modulus with the increase of CF loadings. The results of DMA tests showed significant improvements for the storage modulus and glass transition temperature, T_g. The results of TGA indicated that the addition of higher amounts of CF enhanced thermal stability.