Investigation of changes in melt flow index of low density polyethylene with walnut and hazelnut shell powder additives
Abstract
In this study, the effects of walnut and hazelnut shell powder reinforcements on the melt flow values of low density polyethylene (LDPE) belonging to the polyolefins group were investigated. First, walnut and hazelnut shell powders with sizes ranging from 75 to 150 microns were mechanically mixed with LDPE separately at 5%, 10% and 15% by weight and melt flow analyses were performed. As a result of the experiments, mass and volumetric melt flow values were determined and the results obtained were explained with graphics. The results showed that there was a general decrease in MFI and MVR values as the filler content increased. In particular, the addition of 15% hazelnut shell powder caused a decrease of up to 35% in the MVR value compared to pure LDPE. This decrease was more limited for walnut shell powder.
Keywords
Low density polyethylene, hazelnut shell powder, walnut shell powder, melt flow index
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