Characterization of low density polyethylene/oil-fly ash composites and impact of surface modification of oil fly ash on composite properties

Abstract

Mineral Fillers are commonly used in plastics to enhance the performance and reduce the cost of plastic resins. Uniform distribution of these fillers through the polymer matrix is one of the main considerations to achieve the desirable properties of composites. Oil Fly Ash (OFA) was used in this research project as filler in Low density Polyethylene (LDPE) and its effect on different properties was investigated. OFA was obtained as a by-product from the combustion of fuel in power plants, is cheap filler as compared to the other traditional fillers. Surface modification or functionalization of OFA by acid treatment was one of the main goals of this study. It is believed that the surface modification is an effective technique to achieve good dispersion of filler into the polymer matrix and hence final properties of polymer composites may be enhanced. Different parameters were used for OFA functionalization followed by optimization of these parameters. Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray Diffraction crystallography of OFA was undertaken before and after the modification to observe the effect of surface modification. Also, the Polyethylene-grafted-Maleic Anhydride (PE-g-MA) was used to investigate the attraction of Maleic group with and without the functionalization of fillers. The effect of OFA on the rheological, morphological, mechanical and thermal properties was investigated. Different weight fractions of OFA were used in order to investigate the effect of filler content in the polymer matrix.