Effect of fly ash on the physical and mechanical properties of fly ash/multilayer packaging composite

Packaging waste has become a major environmental issue as the world's population grows, increasing the demand for multi-layer packaging (MLP). As a result, there is a push to develop alternative methods for recycling such materials. Composite material production has become a significant concern for mechanical recycling of plastic waste. Fly ash (FA) could be used as a filler in polymer composites to improve their properties while lowering manufacturing costs. This study describes the creation of a novel value-added composite made of FA and flexible MLP. FA is added to MLP in varying amounts up to 40% by weight. The composite was created using a single screw extrusion technique at maximum temperatures of 260°C and screw rotation speeds of 100 rpm. An injection molding machine was used to make test specimens for mechanical property evaluations. Mechanical properties such as flexural and impact were measured using ASTM D790 and ISO 179. The density of the composite material was determined using the ASTM D792 standard. The result shows that adding FA will improve mechanical properties such as flexural and impact strength in specific compositions.