Potential Use of Hazelnut Husk in Recycled High-Density Polyethylene Composites

Hazelnut husk was considered as a potential filler for thermoplastic composites. Different amounts of hazelnut husk flour and the recycled high-density polyethylene (R-HDPE) were used as the filler and polymer matrix, respectively. The composite compounds were produced using single-screw extrusion compounding, and then composite panels were prepared by hot-press compression molding. The morphological, physical, mechanical, and thermal properties, as well as the biological durability of the composites, were evaluated. The flexural and tensile modulus of the composites improved with increasing hazelnut husk filler content, whereas the physical properties, biological durability, and the flexural and tensile strengths were reduced. With the addition of a maleic anhydrite-grafted polyethylene (MAPE), the hazelnut husk filler was more finely dispersed within the polymer matrix and the degree of crystallinity was lower than that of the R-HDPE. This research revealed that hazelnut husk flour has potential for use as a filler in R-HDPE composites.