Fabrication and Characterization of Apricot Shells Particles Reinforced High Density Polyethylene Based Bio-Composites: Mechanical and Thermal Properties

Talc is widely used as a fine powder in several industrial products to improve the mechanical characteristics of the compound enhancing the nucleation of the polymer and the dimensional stability of the end product. However the polymer composite materials with vegetable fillers were an attractive field for many industries and researchers. The Talc and Apricot shells (AS) particles were compounded in high density polyethylene (HDPE) matrix at various contents and extruded as continuous strands. This work evaluates the structural, thermal, mechanical and rheological properties of Talc and Apricot shells (AS) particles reinforced HDPE. Young's modulus results shows a gain of 45% in HDPE/Talc composites and 33% in HDPE/AS composites compared to neat polymer at 30 wt.% fillers loading. The presence of the particles improved also the rheological properties, which was represented by the complex modulus and loss factor. The thermal analysis shows an increase in the initial thermal decomposition temperatures with addition of talc, 436.9 °C at 30 wt.% filler content. However, results show that the use of AS particles reduces the degradation temperature of composites (352 °C at 30 wt.% filler content), which is normal with the addition of a low degradation temperature charge.