The Utilisability of Ground Hazelnut Shell as Filler in Polypropylene Composites

Abstract

In Turkey, hazelnut shell is obtained in large quantities as an agricultural industry waste but usually used as heating material in houses. Hazelnut shell can be used as filler material in plastic composites due to its cellulosic structure. In this study, the utilisability of ground hazelnut shell in PP matrix composites investigated due to its relative hardness, characteristic color and availability. 5, 10, 15, and 20% by weight ground hazelnut shell were mixed with PP matrix by extrusion and test samples prepared out of those mixtures by injection moulding. Tensile, the Izod impact, hardness, density, melt flow index, heat deflection and the Vicat softening point tests were performed on the samples. E modulus, hardness, heat deflection and the Vicat softening temperature values increased with the increased amount of ground hazelnut shell in polypropylene matrix. However, tensile strength, force at break, elongation at break, the Izod impact and melt flow index values decreased.