ISRN Polymer ScienceVolume 2012 (2012), Article ID 282515, 6 pagesdoi:10.5402/2012/282515

Research Article

Evaluation of the Mechanical Properties of Polypropylene-Aluminum-Dross Composite

S. O. Adeosun,¹ M. A. Usman,² W. A. Ayoola,¹ and I. O. Sekunowo¹

¹Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, University of Lagos, Lagos 101017, Nigeria²Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Lagos, Lagos 101017, Nigeria

Received 11 January 2012; Accepted 13 February 2012

Academic Editor: Y. Kissin

Copyright © 2012 S. O. Adeosun et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract.

Aluminum (Al) dross is a hazardous waste from the secondary smelting of aluminium industries, and safe disposal of this waste is a big challenge to these industries. Dumping of this waste is an environmental hazard to plants, animals, and even human beings. This study is aimed at improving the mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP) by adding Al dross in 2–50 wt% for particle sizes 53 μm and 150 μm. PP-Al-dross composite samples were cast, and ultimate tensile strength (UTS), impact resistance (IR), water absorption (WA), and density (D) tests were carried out. The results obtained show that UTS improved by 68% (at 15 wt% Al-dross addition), D increased by 54% (at 50 wt% Al-dross addition), and WA by 500% (at 8 wt% Al-dross addition) over the convectional PP. The impact resistance of the composite was found to be the same (68 J) with that of conventional PP at 15 wt% Al dross.

1. Introduction

Aluminum (Al) drosses (white and black) are residues from primary and secondary aluminum production formed on the surface of molten Al that is exposed to furnace atmosphere during fusion processing. The dross is usually a mixture of free Al metal and nonmetallic substances such as aluminium oxide, nitride, and carbide; salts; metal oxides [1]. Disposal and recycling of dross is a worldwide problem. Majority of dross is disposed of in landfill sites, which is likely to result in leaking of toxic metal ions into the ground water causing serious pollution problems. In addition to this, when aluminium dross comes in contact with water it emits harmful gases such as NH₃, CH₄, PH₃, H₂, and H₂S [2]. When the dross particles are allowed to escape into the atmosphere, inhalation can cause health problems such as Alzheimer’s disease, silicosis, and bronchitis.

The challenge posed by aluminium dross to the environment has continued to engage the attention of researchers over the years. Efforts are geared towards putting this otherwise hazardous waste to productive use. For example, it has been used as reinforcement for aluminium-matrix [3], as raw material for refractories [4], and as additive in cement production [5]. It has also been used in the synthesis of adsorbent and catalytic materials such as alumina and zeolites [6–13].

Polypropylene (PP) is a commodity polymer that has found wide range of applications in the packaging, textile, automobile, and furniture industries because of its good processbility, recyclability and low cost [14–16]. It has limited use as engineering thermoplastic due to its low strength, low modulus, and high notch sensitivity. To address this limitation, PP has been reinforced with rigid inorganic particles to enhance its strength and rigidity [17–24]. Reuse of Al dross as dispersed particles in polypropylene matrix would not only reduce the cost of LDPE composite but also solve the environmental consequence of dumping Al dross.

The aim of this study therefore was to investigate the suitability of reinforcing PP with Al dross from secondary smelting process and evaluate the mechanical properties of the resultant PP/Al dross composite.

2. Experimental Methodology

The lumps of aluminium dross used in this study were obtained from Aluminium Rolling Mills Ota, Nigeria, and their chemical composition is displayed in Table 1.

Table 1: Chemical composition of aluminium dross.

Constituents
SiO₂
CaO
Na₂O
Al₂O₃
Fe₂O₃
MgO
SO₃
K₂O
Al metal

Composition %
7.15
0.07
0.06
63.84
0.03
0.04
0.03
0.01
28.77

The Al dross lumps were ground and sieved into 53 μm and 150 μ sized particles. The masses of Al dross used are 2, 8, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, and 50 wt percent while the balanced is that of PP. The measurement was done using an electronic digital scale on a basis of 300 g for the two particle sizes and the mixes.

The domestic camp gas was adapted as the melting furnace for the PP and the melting crucible was left to dry before the measured polypropylene was poured into it. The crucible and its content were heated up to molten state (176°C) while stirring with the aid of the mixing rod for homogenous distribution of heat round the circumference of the crucible. When PP had been fully liquefied, the Al dross was poured into the molten PP and mixing was done thoroughly using the rod stirrer. The mixture was then heated up for another twenty seconds (to avoid burning into ashes) before pouring into the metal mould (see Figure 1). The pouring was done from one side of the mould at a fast rate and the container was held close to the mould during pouring. The cast composite samples on cooling have a dimension of 137 × 137 × 10 mm.

(a)

(b)

(c)

Figure 1: (a) Metal mould, (b) molten PP/Al dross composite solidifying in mould cavity, (c) solid PP/Al dross composite samples.

The densities of the cast samples were obtained after fettling by weighing each sample on the digital weighing scale to obtain the mass . The volume of water used was measured as then the sample was placed into the water, and the new volume was measured as , hence the final volume of water used was determined and densities (ρ) were calculated using the ratio of mass to volume .

Water absorption samples were cut into sizes suitable for cylinder used for the water absorption process, weighed dried, at first instance. Subsequently, samples were then weighed after every 24 hrs for a total of 168 hrs to obtain the new sample weights . The percentage weight gained was calculated as ratio of to .

The tensile test specimens were machined (see Figure 2) and test was carried out using Hounsfield Tensometer tensile test machine. The test specimen was secured firmly between the gaps of the tensometer which was loaded mechanically until it was stressed to fracture. The test was carried out at a strain rate of 4.7 × 10⁻² S⁻¹.

Figure 2: Tensile test specimen for PP-Al-dross composite.

Impact resistance of the composites was carried out. Each sample was machined to the required specimen size; length of 100 mm and height of 8 mm, 6 mm thick and a V-notch at the centre of the specimen with depth of 2 mm.

Scanning electron microscopy of the samples was carried out. The samples were cut into small bits required by the SEM machine; 1 cm by 1 cm. Variable current (VP) was used because the samples are not electrically conducting. The variable current makes the image clearer and works between pressures 10–200 Pa. High vacuum could have been used, but it is restricted to only electrically conducting materials and works at pressures much higher than the VP. The pressure target was set to 50 Pa.

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. Density

But for 53 μm Al dross size particle at 2 wt% dross addition, the composite density decline from 0.068 g/cm³ to 0.033 g/cm³ and gained significant weight at 15 wt% dross addition (0.093 g/cm³). Between 15 and 25 wt. percent dross additions, there was a decline to 0.052 g/cm³. Increment in dross addition further increased the density to 0.105 g/cm³ at 50 wt% dross content. For 150 μm dross particle size, the density pattern of PP-Al-dross composite is sinusoidal. The density increases slightly with 2 wt% dross addition and declines from about 0.068 g/cm³ to 0.033 g/cm³ at 8 wt% dross addition. Between 8 and 15 wt% dross addition, the material gained in density to 0.09 g/cm³, decreased to 0.045 g/cm³ at 20 wt%, rose to 0.08 g/cm³ at 30 wt%, fell to 0.055 g/cm³ at 40 wt% and attained 0.095 g/cm³ at 50 wt% dross content (see Figure 3).

Figure 3: Density of polypropylene aluminum dross composite.

3.2. Water Absorption

For water absorption tendencies, the PP-Al-dross composite initially absorbed water up to 0.01 wt% at 40 hours soak time and thereafter remained steady and uniform throughout the test period. Between 2 and 8 wt% dross addition, the composite absorbed water within 70 hours of soak time in similar fashion to pure PP matrix, and this response remained constant till 120 hours (0.01 wt%) before it rose to 0.06 wt% at 8 wt% dross addition between 140–168 hours soak time. As the Al-dross content in the PP matrix increases, the water absorption propensity decreases, and this fluctuates between 0.03 and 0.04 wt% for 10–40 wt% Al dross and 0.03 wt% at 50 wt% Al-dross additions after 168 hours of soaking (see Figure 4(a)).

(a)

(b)

Figure 4: (a) Water absorption responses of polypropylene-aluminum-dross (53 micrometer) composite. (b) Water absorption responses of polypropylene-aluminum-dross (153 micrometer) composites.

The water absorption potential of PP-Al-dross composite increases with its time of soaking in water at 2 wt% Al-dross addition to give a maximum of 0.09 wt% between 140 and 168 hours. Between 8 and 20 wt% Al-dross additions the water absorption fluctuates between 0.03 and 0.04 wt% maximum. However, the PP composite absorbed more water at 25 wt% Al dross content to give 0.06 wt% maximum between 140 and 168 hours soak time. Thereafter, it decreases to 0.02 wt% at 40 wt% Al dross and rises again to 0.04 wt at 50 wt% Al-dross addition (see Figure 4(b)).

3.3. Ultimate Tensile Strengths

The ultimate tensile strengths of the PP improved significantly with the additions of 150 μm particle-sized aluminium dross at 10, 15, and 30% (5, 5.5, 6 MPa) with peak value of 6 MPa. For 53 μm particle-sized aluminium dross addition improvements in UTS occurred at 8, 15–50% Al dross over the pure PP matrix. However, the peak value of 8 MPa occurred at 25% Al-dross content (see Figure 5). The improvements in tensile strengths of the composites are due to good interfacial bonding and the presence of agglomerate particles [21]. The decline in strength in some composite samples over the pure PP matrix can be attributed to poor interfacial adhesion between the hydrophilic filler and the hydrophobic polymer matrix which hinders proper load transfer between filler and matrix. The weak bonding between the hydrophilic filler and the hydrophobic matrix polymer obstructs stress propagation and causes the tensile strength to decrease as the filler loading increases [21]. Further smaller size filler gives a superior strength result as smaller filler size with higher surface area gives better adhesion with matrix, which may be attributed to a better distribution of particles in PP [21].

Figure 5: Ultimate tensile strength of polypropylene aluminum composite.

3.4. Young’s Modulus

Young’s modulus of the PP material is enhanced at 2, 25, 40, and 50% dross (200, 200, 325, 350, MPa) contents for 150 μm aluminium-dross particle size, while for 53 μm Al-dross particles size, the composite rigidity is superior at 10, 30, 40, and 50% Al-dross additions (180, 180, 205, 225 MPa) (see Figure 6). Filler with stiffness higher than that of the matrix may increase the modulus of the composites. The increase in tensile modulus with the increase of Al dross particles addition at the wt percents indicated above shows that PP has inherent stiffness of the filler [22]. Thus there is good transfer of the elastic deformation between filler and matrix materials without interface fracture. Tensile modulus is known to be a less sensitive variation of interfacial adhesion than the tensile strength which is strongly associated with interfacial failure behaviour [23]. Increase in tensile modulus of some composite samples is attributed to better distribution of Al dross filler in the matrix for both filler sizes. The higher surface area of filler gives better adhesion in composite, thus forming a stiffer material which is attributed to higher modulus [22].

Figure 6: Young’s modulus of polypropylene-aluminum composite.

3.5. Impact Energy Resistance

The impact energy resistance of PP is not enhanced with the introduction of 150 μm sized Al-dross filler, except at 15% filler addition where the impact energy resistance of 68 J same as the pure PP is obtained. The resistances produced at other filler additions are inferior to that of the pure PP matrix. This trend is comparably replicated with the use of 53 μm particle-sized Al-dross in the polymer where resistances are below that of pure PP matrix (68 J). At 2, 10, 20, and 40% Al dross content the resistance of 65 J is obtained in the composites (see Figure 7). The poor interfacial bonding between the filler and the matrix polymer causes microcracks to occur at the point of impact, which causes the cracks to easily propagate in the composite [22]. These microcracks are responsible for the decreased in impact strength resistance of the composites. The increase in the amount of filler increased the interfacial regions, thus exaggerating the weakening of the resulting composite to crack propagation. Addition of filler inhibits polymer mobility, thereby lowering the ability of the system to absorb energy during fracture propagation. The size and dispersion of filler particles in the matrix can affect the composite properties. Small, well-dispersed particles generally give better properties [24]. Small particles can block crack propagation, resulting in impact toughening. However, it is often difficult to disperse very fine particles because of their tendency to agglomerate.

Figure 7: Impact energy of polypropylene-aluminum-composite.

3.6. SEM and EDX Results of PP-Al-Dross Composite

The morphology of pure PP sample consists of the matrix phase and the white particles distribution. The structure is that of a hill and trough-like matrix (see Figure 8) and the EDX pattern revealed very low amount of elemental Al, oxygen, and Si but high in K, Ca, and C. The introduced coarse (150 μm) Al-dross particles are found dispersed in the matrix with the absence of hill and trough-like depression and absence of elements like K, Ca, and C as shown by the EDX result (see Figure 9). However, fine particles of the filler show better wetting of the particles and matrix as shown in Figure 10 with high presence of elemental K, Ca, and C as in pure PP while low in elemental Al, oxygen, and Si. Carbon is seen as the element with the highest peak with the presence some amount of oxygen and minute amount of aluminum. The finer the grain size, the higher the oxygen content and the lower the aluminum content. SEM microstructure of selected composite samples showed that poor adhesion in PP composites results in low impact strength. The interphase in PP-Al-dross composites that was formed effectively increased the tensile strength, but it is too weak thereby lowering the ability of the system to absorb energy during fracture propagation from the matrix to the filler. Thus, there is no improvement in impact strength.

(a)

(b)

Figure 8: Pure polypropylene matrix characterisation, (a) SEM microstructure, (b) EDS chart.

(a)

(b)

Figure 9: Polypropylene-Al-dross composite (98% PP FOR 150 μm) matrix characterisation, (a) SEM microstructure, (b) EDS chart.

(a)

(b)

Figure 10: Polypropylene-Al-dross composite (98% PP FOR 53 μm) matrix characterisation, (a) SEM microstructure, (b) EDS chart.

4. Conclusion

There is a general enhancement of desirable mechanical properties when aluminum dross was added to polypropylene at different percentages. The better strengthening effect of the Al dross can be attributed to the better interfacial bond between the Al dross particles and the polypropylene matrix with the finer grain size (53 μm) as revealed by the tensile test study. The best toughness and impact strength was obtained with the coarse grains (150 μm) which can be attributed to the smaller surface area of the coarse grains. To obtain an optimum property of impact, tensile strength, and toughness, the percentage of Al dross to be used is 15% Al-dross addition for a grain size of 150 μm and/or 20% Al-dross addition for a finer grain size of 53 μm. This study shows that Al dross is suitable for reinforcing PP and that it is a veritable way of addressing the environmental challenge posed by Al dross.

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