Fracture toughness, flexural, and compressive properties of Delonix regia pod-eggshell particle reinforced virgin low-density polyethylene nanocomposites

Abstract

 The valorisation of environmental and agricultural wastes for the development of smart and hygienic cities has attracted increasing research attention. This study investigated the production of biocomposites using virgin low-density polyethylene as a matrix reinforced with eggshell, Delonix regia pod and their hybrid particles. The developed composites were evaluated structurally and mechanically. Results obtained reveal an interaction between the low-density polyethylene molecules and reinforcement particles causing formation of new compounds as confirmed by the X-ray diffraction analysis. Enhancements in the fracture toughness, flexural and compressive properties are attributed to the detected new compounds that improve the load bearing capacity of the composites. However, maximum fracture toughness and flexural strength were noted at 4% eggshell particle additions to the low-density polyethylene while the maximum compressive strength was affirmed at 2% eggshell particle addition. The developed materials have a potential application in engineering structures and biomedicine for bone replacement when the obtained properties are compared with properties of materials currently used in the identified areas.