Assessing feasibility of peanut shell powder/linear low-density polyethylene for rotational moulding process

Abstract

A polymer processing method called rotational moulding is utilised to make hollow things without tension. Despite being the resin matrix of choice for rotational moulding, linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) performs only moderately in areas where sturdiness is required. In order to maintain the necessary strength, fibres might fill the gap. A variety of testing methods, including FTIR, particle size distribution, bulk density, MFI, DSC, and TGA, were used to support the requirement of processability for rotational moulding in the current study. Peanut shell powder (PSP) was combined with the LLDPE at amounts varying from 2 to 20%. The importance of both materials’ peaks can be seen in FTIR results, which suggested a range of 8% to 18% PSP in LLDPE. Particle size distribution and Bulk density measurement indicated that blends above 14% PSP are not recommended for rotational moulding. Based on MFI data, it was determined that PSP blends of 14% and above have values lower than 3 g/10min which is not suitable in terms of sufficient flow ability in rotational moulding. The inclusion of PSP was found to increase the blend’s crystallinity by 6.6% for 12% PSP blend. As per DSC and TGA data, adding peanut shell powder to LLDPE does not significantly alter the processing temperature range as compared to neat LLDPE, making rotational moulding appropriate for blends containing 8% to 12% PSP.