International Journal of Chemistry Studies

Authors
Ifeoma Perpetua Oragwu, Emmanuel Onyema Ilo

Abstract
Agro-or bio-filler/low density polyethylene composite was studied to determine their properties in relation to the corresponding ratio by weight of the compounding agent. The polysaccharide used as bio-filler was isolated from corn kernel by steeping method, characterized and thoroughly mixed into the polyolefin matrix. The yield of 38.96 %, ash content of 9.40 %, insolubility in water and alcohol of the isolated filler were suitable for polymer composite formation. Injection moulding machine was used to extrude the plastic/bio-filler into sheets at the temperature of 250 0 C. The tensile and elongation at break properties of dump-bell shaped bio-filler/polyethylene sheets were determined using tensile strength machine of model (TTM2EL/0300/2005). There was zero water absorption for the pure low density polyethylene with no filler, as, against the bio-composite counterpart, with increased starch content. Other parameters determined confirmed that, bio-fillers are innovative, eco-friendly, degradable, renewable, and when compounded with daily-used plastic materials, will reduce cost, improve the properties and minimize environmental pollutions from plastic wastes.