MODIFIED PERFORMANCE OF MECHANICAL, THERMAL, AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF HIGH-DENSITY POLYETHYLENE – CORN FLOUR COMPOSITES

Abstract

A twin‐screw extruder synthesized the high-density polyethylene (HDPE)/corn flour (CF) composites. The properties of different contents of CF (10, 20, 25wt. %) has been evaluated and analyzed in detail, including the mechanical, thermal, and physical properties. Results exhibited the high interfacial adhesion between HDPE and CF. The tensile strength of HDPE composites with higher loading 25%CF showed tensile strength which was 37% higher than the neat HDPE. Similarly, modulus of elasticity and flexural strength parameters increased by the ratios 0.5% and 14% respectively, however, impact strength decreased by the ratio 48%. Results also showed that thermal conductivity is improved and it reduced by 42% with a higher amount of CF (25%Wt). Water absorbance increased with increasing CF in HDPE matrix.