Production and Optimization of GLP-HDPE Composite Materials Using the Robust Taguchi Technique

Abstract

With the increase in the use of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) products and the serious long-term hazard it poses to the environment, there has been an increasing need to decrease the release of these materials to the environment as waste. This study sets out to develop and optimize the mechanical properties of GLP-HDPE composite, a sustainable material from agro residues (ginger leaves particles (GLP)) and high-density polyethylene waste materials. The Taguchi robust technique, analysis of variance, and regression analysis were employed to optimize, analyze and model the behavior of the composite materials in respect to developmental factors of particle size and particle content. The optimum bending modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR) and impact energy (IE) of the developed composites was 2490MPa, 11.90MPa, and 4.1J at particle size/particle content combination of 710µm/35%, 520µm/35%, and 710µm/45% respectively. Analysis of variance at 95% confidence level showed that the particle content and a significant effect on the MOE, MOR, and IE of the GLP-HDPE composite with a minimum percentage contribution of 71.61%. Equations for predicting the MOE, MOR, and IE of the composites were developed with good prediction accuracy.