17th International Fiber and Polymer Research Symposium

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Mechanical and thermal properties examination of HDPE fılled with nanoclay and walnut shell’s

Authors :

İlyas Metin Tamer¹ Aysu Çavuşoğlu² Harun Sepetçioğlu³ İdris Karagöz⁴

1- Yalova University, Department of Polymer Materials Engineering, 77200 / YALOVA 2- Yalova University, Department of Polymer Materials Engineering, 77200 / YALOVA 3- Selçuk Universitesi 4- Yalova University, Department of Polymer Materials Engineering, 77200 / YALOVA

Keywords :

Polymer composites،High density polyethylene،Walnut shell،Nano clay،Sustainable

Abstract :

This study explores the viability of producing environmentally friendly composite materials by integrating walnut shell (CK), nanoclay (NK), and polyethylene (PE). Samples were prepared through a process involving melting and mixing CK, NK, and PE, followed by injection molding according to ISO 294 standards. Various NK and PE ratios were tested, with NK content up to 1%. Mechanical properties, elongation at break, FTIR results, and color measurements were compared. The findings indicate that CK and PE mixtures enhance mechanical properties and achieve chemical compatibility, with notable changes in material color observed with increased CK content. This study underscores the potential of PE, CK, and NK composites as sustainable materials, suggesting their versatility across different fields and potential combinations with other biological waste materials to create green composites. The quest for stronger polymer composites has spurred exploration into diverse materials, from inorganic additives to organic fillers. However, environmental concerns and recycling challenges linked to inorganic additives have shifted focus towards organic alternatives such as agricultural residues and natural fibers. This study focuses on harnessing walnut shells, an agricultural waste, and nanoclay to enhance the thermal and mechanical properties of polymer composites. Various mixtures of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), walnut shell, and nanoclay were prepared and characterized for mechanical and surface properties. Results show an 8% increase in hardness with walnut shell addition, and significant improvements in impact strength, particularly with the walnut shell and nanoclay combination.