EFFECT OF PARTICLE SIZE ON THE PROPERTIES OF BLACK DATE SEED PARTICLE-REINFORCED HIGH DENSITY POLYETHYLENE COMPOSITE

Abstract

The effect of two particle sizes 90µm and 180µm on the physical and mechanical properties of HDPE reinforced

with black date seed particles was investigated. Samples were cut for the physical properties (Density and Water

absorption) and mechanical properties (Tensile Strength, Hardness and Impact). From the results of the physical

properties, it was observed that the density for all the particle sizes decreased from 0.930g/cm3 to 0.686(90µm) and

0.699g/cm3 (180µm) as the percentage of the filler increased, the water absorption for all particle sizes increased as

the percentage of the filler increased from 0.322% to 0.583(90µm) and 0.656%(180µm). Results from the

mechanical properties tests show that the tensile strength for all the particle sizes decreased from 44MPa of 0wt%

black date seed to 22MPa and 23MPa of 40wt% black date seed particulate for 90µm and 180µm respectively. The

hardness values increased upon increase in particulate for both sieve sizes from 0 to 20wt% black date seed before

decreasing at 30 and 40wt%. The impact energy values of the composites increased as the percentage of the filler

increased