The Effect of Utilizing ZnO Nanoparticles and Eggshell on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Wood -Plastic Composite Production

Abstract

AbstractIn this research, utilization of ZnO nanoparticles and eggshell powder on physical and mechanical properties of polypropylene/wood flour composite were investigated. For this purpose, wood flour and polypropylene was mixed at 60 to 40% by weight. Eggshell powder at three levels (0, 5 and 10) percent and nano ZnO at four levels (0, 1.5, 3 and 5) percent were considered as variable factors. Physical and mechanical properties including water absorption and thickness swelling after 2 and 24 hours immersion in water, flexural strength were measured in accordance with DIN-EN 310-2006 standard, and tensile strength were measured in accordance with ASTM D1037 standard. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) were performed to interpret the results. The results were statistically analyzed using factorial experimental under completely randomized block design and the averages were compared using DMRT. Results showed that increasing the mixing ratio of eggshell powder to wood flour decrease mechanical strengths but were improved in water absorption and thickness swelling after 2 and 24 hrs. Using 1.5% nano zno increased the strength properties to the maximum values and improved physical properties.

Keywords

• Polypropylene
• eggshell
• Composite
• ZnO