Characteristics and Reliability of Polyurethane Wood Ash Composites for Packaging and Containerisation Applications
Christian Emeka Okafor *
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
Ezekiel Junior Okafor
Science Laboratory Technology (SLT), School of Natural Sciences, Federal Polytechnic Oko, Nigeria
Joseph Jideofor Obodoeze
Science Laboratory Technology (SLT), School of Natural Sciences, Federal Polytechnic Oko, Nigeria
Christopher Chukwutoo Ihueze
Department of Industrial/Production Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: The aim of the study is to evaluate polyurethane wood ash composites characteristics and reliability.
Study Design: Experimental Study Design was used in the study.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the faculty of Engineering workshop, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria from October 2017 and February 2018.
Methodology: Three independent parameters employed include carbonisation temperature, particle size and volume fraction. Gmelina arborea samples were sundried and carbonised at varied temperature (400,700 & 1000°C), sieved to three particle sizes (75, 150 & 300 μm) and reinforced at varied volume fractions (30, 40 & 50%) with Polyurethane elastomeric polymer. The mechanical properties of the various samples prepared were tested and Weibull statistics was adopted in strength analysis of the composite.
Results: The results obtained showed that varying carbonisation temperature resulted in different mechanical properties of the wood ash composites with the best improvement occurring at 50% volume fraction, having 300 μm particle size at carbonisation temperature of 700°C. However, decrease in the density of the composite was noticed when the fiber volume fraction increased. In all cases, carbonisation above 400°C showed improved mechanical properties as a result of increased carbon yield and reduction in tar and moisture content.
Conclusion: A low Weibull modulus of 1.64 suggests that polyurethane wood ash composites has highly variable fracture strength, making it difficult to be used reliably in load-bearing applications, however more useful applications of the new material may include packaging and containerisation.
Keywords: Reliability, polyurethane, wood ash, composites, Weibull distribution