Volume 4, Issue 8

Effect of Hydroxyapatite on Structure, Morphology and Tensile Properties of Polyethylene/Starch Blend

Author

B.O. Asimeng1 *, B. Kwakye-Awuah2 and E. Effah Kaufmann1

Abstract

Abstract::

Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE)/starch blends filled with hydroxyapatite were synthesized by injection moulding to study the effect of hydroxyapatite (HAp) on surface modification of polyethylene/starch blend and its influence on tensile properties. Hydroxyapatite contents were varied from 1.0% to 3.0% in intervals of 0.5% by parts and the blends were characterised. Seven different samples were formed for the study and each sample was tested in five replicates for the tensile modulus, strength and elongation to failure. Two of the samples, one composed of only LLDPE and the other of 60% LLDPE, 40% starch, and 0% hydroxyapatite, were used as controls. The 2Theta peak transpositions of the XRD patterns, crystallinity and microstructure of the blends have been noticed to affect the tensile strength, modulus, and elongation to failure. The incorporation of HAp content into LLDPE/starch returned an increase in strength from 11.05±0.3 to 11.98±0.2 (p = 0.0008). Modulus increased up to 2.0% by parts of HAp and declined. Conversely, elongation to failure declined up to 2.0% by parts of HAp and then increased (p = 0.0007). HAp influence on the blend has been explained as HAp having affected the intermediate phase of the blend through hydrogen bonding. Amount of HAp introduced into the blend affects the structure, morphology and tensile properties of the blends. Further study is needed to determine the degradation characteristics of the blends.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.62226/ijarst20150873

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