Development and Properties Characterization of Polyethylene Based Composite Using Coconut Fiber

Abstract

Composite material using coconut fiber to produce reinforced low-density polyethylene (LDPE) composite was produced for evaluating of the effect of varying fiber sizes on the mechanical (tensile, hardness, and impact strength), water absorption, and chemical resistance properties of the developed LPDE. Sample categories were prepared by varying the fiber sizes below 2.36 mm, ≥ 2.36 mm, and ≥ 3.35 mm at a constant 5% volume fraction loading. The water retting process was applied in the extraction and cleaning of the coconut fiber (or coir), while the developed composite material was prepared using the Hand layup Technique (HLT). The tensile and hardness properties were tested using the Universal Testing Machine (UTM) Model BDUM-2.5KN, while the impact properties were tested using the Izod Impact testing machine Model RI-300. The analysis of the water absorptivity showed that the developed composite materials have a low water absorptivity of 2% at fiber size loading below 2.36 mm. However, at higher fiber sizes of ≥2.36 mm and ≥3.35 mm loading, the water absorptivity increases significantly to 5.8% and 7.9%, respectively. Test results showed that the composites produced with fiber sizes less than 2.36 mm fiber loading has the most optimum combination of tensile and hardness properties, of 25.20Mpa and 22.96Mpa respectively but have the least impact strengths of 229 joules as compared to other sizes. It is recommended to use the hand layup technique for the production of low density polyethylene composites and this could further be used as an additive for the production of some lightweight polymer materials such as packing tools, furniture designs for tabletop, windows, door frames, cloth pegs, stool top, since its hardness, low strength, non-structural application, and moisture resistance analysis is within the acceptable limit of application for this purpose while eliminating pollution by using the waste sachets and nylon.