Abstract

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The possibility of using solid tannery waste in HDPE was studied by examination of the mechanical properties, morphology and thermal properties of the composites produced. Composite was manufactured by compression moulding technique for varying fibre contents from 10% to 60%. Mechanical and physical tests were conducted on composite specimens in accordance to ASTM D638. A partial replacement of 10-40 wt% of HDPE (petroleum-derived plastics) was successful with tensile value of 118.868, 100.971 MPa at 10 wt% for composite of HDPE filled chrome waste and HDPE filled vegetable re-tanned waste, while HDPE (control sample) at 10 wt% gave 25.338 MPa only, The optimal value for tensile strength, and elastic modulus was obtained at filler loads of 10wt%. The morphology and thermal properties of the matrix and composites were studied by scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, thermal differential analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The TGA and DTA results of composites were more thermally stable with additives than the control or it’s composite without additives. The thermal differential analysis of composites without additives displays two steps weight losses while composites with additives display a single step weight loss. In conclusion, the additives does improve the mechanical properties of HDPE/Leather solid waste, it greatly helps to stabilize the composite against thermal and photo degradation. HDPE90/Vegetable waste10 were shown to have better properties than those of Chrome tanned and Hide un-tanned waste

Keywords: Leather waste; Mechanical properties; Thermal stability; Composite; Additives.