2.3.2. X-ray Diffraction (XRD)

X-ray diffraction (XRD) was performed on sand samples (within 2θ = 5–40◦) using a Panalytical X-ray diffraction system (X'Pert3 Powder, Malvern Panalytical, Denver, CO, USA) to confirm the presence of SiO2, which is the major component of sand, as reported in the literature [35]. XRD was also performed on HDPE after the addition of the compatibilizer to determine any alteration in the characteristic peaks of HDPE. Similarly, XRD was performed for selected composite sheets to observe any shifts or alterations due to filler and compatibilizer addition.
