MECHANICAL EFFECTS OF AGRO WASTE AND PLASTIC WASTE COMPOSITE FOR ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS
Abstract
The increasing environmental concerns associated with plastic waste and agricultural by-products and the growing need for sustainable materials in the automotive industry has driven the development of eco-friendly composites. Agro-waste particulate-reinforced recycled plastic composites present an innovative solution for addressing waste management challenges while contributing to engineering applications. This report investigates the mechanical properties of agro-waste and recycled plastic composites, their processing techniques, and potential applications in engineering. Comprehensive testing, performance evaluation, and comparative analysis highlight the feasibility of these composites for structural and non-structural uses. Neem bark, an abundant agro-waste, was utilized as a reinforcing filler in recycled high-density polyethylene (rHDPE), forming a composite material that offers both environmental and mechanical benefits. The effects of varying neem bark filler content (0% to 20%) on the mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. Results showed that incorporating neem bark up to 15% significantly improved compressive strength. These enhancements make the composites suitable for non-structural automotive components such as interior panels, door trims, and dashboards. However, higher filler content (20%) slightly reduced impact resistance due to increased brittleness. This study demonstrates that neem bark-reinforced composites provide a cost-effective, sustainable alternative to conventional materials in the automotive industry while promoting the circular economy by utilizing both plastic waste and agro-waste. Recommendations for further research include optimizing filler content, exploring surface treatments, and conducting real-world performance testing in automotive environments.
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