Recycling Of High Density Polyethylene Plastics (Hdpe) Reinforced With Coconut Fibers For Floor Tiles

Abstract

Abstract

The increasing amount of plastic waste and biomass waste has become a growing global environmental problem, and combining the two to form composite materials is one way to solve the problem. HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) is a common material in a variety of industries, including packaging and automobiles. HDPE, on the other hand, has a number of disadvantages, including not biodegradable and of poor thermal stability at high temperatures. HDPE may be recycled by employing it in composites as a matrix. Meanwhile, natural fiber may be made from biomass waste, which is a low-cost resource that can be used to substitute scarce resources. In this study, HDPE is mixed with fibers from coconut shells to make a bio-composite material, which is then tested for mechanical properties (Tensile test, flexural test and impact test), hardness test, water absorption test and thermal insulating test. The purpose of this study is to confirm the suitability of coconut fiber reinforced HDPE composites for the manufacture of floor tiles and to confirm the scope of their application. Pure HDPE, and blends of 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% are tested. The results have proven that the material is suitable for exterior floor tiles, such as tile paths in parks and tiles in public places, due to the good mechanical properties, thermal insulation and low water absorption rate of the composite.