Effect of Green Synthesized Fe Nanoparticles on the Mechanical Properties of Waste Polyethylene Nanocomposites

Abstract

Recycling polyethylene waste through the addition of metal nanoparticles has
attracted much attention from researchers due to the increased population of the
world which opens space for advanced material. This study explored the effect of
green synthesized Fe nanoparticles on the mechanical properties of waste
polyethylene. The effect of green synthesized Fe nanoparticles at 0.5 to 2.5 g was
investigated using a shore ‘A’ durometer and an Instron universal testing machine.
The hardness of nanocomposite increases from 94.2 to 95.6 N/mm², flexural
strength from 13.71 to 14.02 Mpa, and percentage elongation at break from 80 to
90%. The modulus of elasticity decreases drastically from 1.53 to 1.25 Mpa, and the
tensile strength of the nanocomposites decreases from 1.1 to 1.02 Mpa. The result
showed that green synthesized Fe affects the mechanical properties of waste
polyethylene nanocomposites. These may aid the polymer composites for complex
applications in the field of electrical and biomedical nanotechnology.