Tribological Properties of Linear Low Density Polyethylene Reinforced with Almond Shell Particles: Impact of NaOH Treatment

In this study the effect of alkaline treatment on the tribological properties of bio-composites (LLDPE/ASP) is examined. Two groups of bio-composites of different mass fractions varying from 0% to 40% and without compatibilizing agent were prepared by single screw extrusion and consolidated by the standard thermo-compression molding process. The first group of bio-composites is developed without treatment of ASP and designated by LLDPE/ASP untreated, while for the second group of bio-composites, the ASP fillers have undergone an alkaline treatment of concentration 1.6 M/L for 24 h, and it is designated by LLDPE/ASP treated. The results found show that the alkaline treatment of ASP particles affects the tribological properties of LLDPE/ASP bio-composites. Likewise, the results of these tests were compared with pure LLDPE. It was also found that the LLDPE/ASP bio-composites presented improve tribological properties compared to pure LLDPE. The results of the friction tests also suggest that a proportion of 20% by weight of ASP in the LLDPE matrix leads to better tribological performances and a clear improvement found in the treated bio-composites compared to the untreated ones.