The influence of nanoclay on the performance of HDPE/ wheat straw powder composite produced by two stage mixing process

Influence of nanoclay addition on the strength properties of HDPE/ Wheat straw powder composite was investigated. Composite compounds were produced using 73% HDPE, 25% wheat straw powder and 2% MAPE and three dosages of nanoclay (1, 2, and 3% of composite compound weight). First, HDPE and nanoclay was melt- mixed and after cooling, the extrudate was milled to fine granules. These granules were then melt compounded with pre-weighted amount of wheat straw powder and MAPE followed by injection molding to produce test specimens. The flexural, tensile and impact strength were measured. Results showed that addition of nanoclay to the composite improved flexural strength and modulus, tensile strength and modulus. However the notched Izod strength was reduced.