Performance evaluation of composites produced from mix of jute, flax, polyester, wool and LDPE wastes

Abstract

While changing textile fibres into yarns, fabrics and apparel products, considerable amounts of process wastes are generated. The amount of generated wastes is different for natural and synthetic fibres. Wastes are higher while processing natural fibres than synthetic ones. Traditionally, such textile wastes are either sold with scrap values or disposed to the environment as solid wastes. As thermoplastic materials are utilized for different holding,  packaging and container purposes, they are being used till today. However, while using them, damages may occur to them and will get discarded. So, this research tries to develop an advanced and engineered composite product from the waste mixtures of jute, flax, polyester and wool as reinforcements and LDPE waste as matrix. Compression moulding machine has been used and with a melting temperature of 160⁰c & a pressure of 1.5MPa for 5 minutes, composite products have been produced. The products have been tested and characterized for; tensile, flexural, compression and impact resistance strength tests and found results of 10MPa, 7.06MPa, 10.01MPa  and 35.731J respectively. These results have been compared and evaluated with other composite products made from wastes and the comparisons show the developed composite product can be a potential candidate to be used in fencing and boarding panel application areas.