SOME PHYSICAL FACTORS AND COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH INTERACTIONS IN CELLULOSE ACETATE AGGLOMERATE

Moist cellulose acetate agglomerates were investigated for their compressive strength and some physical factors interactions using statistical methodology. These agglomerates were prepared in a rotating balling disc using different sieve sizes of cellulose acetate powder, with dual purpose kerosene. Experimental process was designed using Two-Level Factorial Design. After obtaining the limits for the experimental process for some of the factors selected, the experimental design was completed using the limits and the design was implemented in producing the cellulose acetate agglomerates. The compressive strength was computed from the damage compressive force obtained during compressive testing as per American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. Among the selected factors (particle sizes, agglomerate mass, agglomerate diameter, agglomerate surface area and compressive force), the compressive force reported the highest and positive effect or influence. But agglomerate surface area and agglomerate mass also reported some influence though negative. Particle sizes and agglomerate diameter reported insignificant effect or influence on the compressive strength.