Degradation and Characterization of Bio-Waste Reinforced Polymer Composite

In this study the degradation and mechanical characteristics of the bio-waste composites will be studied. The bio-waste composite used in this instance is the watermelon rind (WR) with polypropylene (PP). The WR is first collected and washed to fabricate the composite. After that, it is dried in a drying oven under the temperature of 60˚C for 18 hours to remove all moisture. The dried WR are then grinded in a mortar grinder to turn it into a fine powder. The composite is then put through an extruder where it is blended well and composites of10% and 20% of WR as filler in PP (10WR/90PP and 20WR/80PP) are produced. The composite will be subjected to immersion into two different solutions namely tap water and seawater. The percentage of moisture absorbed at time intervals of 24 hours for a total time of 168 hours is recorded. The increase in weight percentage of WR powder from 10% to 20% used correlates to a more exponential increase in the amount of moisture absorbed over a period of 24 hours. The composite immersed in the seawater absorbs more moisture than the same composite immersed in the tap water up to the 48 hours mark.