An Analysis of the Mechanical Properties of Polyethylene Composites Reinforced with Short Vetiver Fibers

Volume: 11 | Issue: 01 | Year 2025 | Subscription
International Journal of Composite Materials and Matrices
Received Date: 11/22/2024
Acceptance Date: 12/19/2024
Published On: 2024-12-25
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By: Haydar U. Zaman

Assist. Prof., Department of Physics, National University of Bangladesh and Institute of Radiation and Polymer Technology, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, P.O. Box-3787, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract

Synthetic fibers (such as carbon, glass, ceramic fibers, etc.) are a cause of environmental concern, so natural fibers (such as vetiver, calotropis gigantea, flax, hemp, jute, etc.) are extensively used. In this study, the compression molding process was used to improve low-density polyethylene (LDPE) matrix composites reinforced with vetiver fiber (VF). Experiments were conducted by varying VF length, VF content, and fiber treatment time. The composites’ static mechanical characteristics, including their tensile strength, tensile modulus, impact strength, compressive strength, compressive modulus and fracture toughness, were examined. Experimental results reveal that the static mechanical properties of composites increase with increasing VF length and VF content. The static mechanical properties show their maximum value at 5 mm VF length and 20 wt% of VF content. Conversely, as VF length and content grow, so does tensile modulus.  The effects of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) on VF are also studied at different concentrations, fiber sizes, and duration of treatment. Improvements in interfacial adherence between VFs and LDPE matrix have been found to improve the mechanical properties of SDS treatment composites, but the degree of improvement has been found to be dependent on the improvement of interfacial adhesions during SDS treatment improves mechanical properties. The composites reinforced with 20 weight percent fiber content, 5 mm in length, and 6 hours showed the best mechanical properties. Using a scanning electron microscope, morphological analysis is also carried out to track the fiber pull-out and fracture behavior of the composites.

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How to cite this article: Haydar U. Zaman, An Analysis of the Mechanical Properties of Polyethylene Composites Reinforced with Short Vetiver Fibers. International Journal of Composite Materials and Matrices. 2025; 11(01): -p.

How to cite this URL: Haydar U. Zaman, An Analysis of the Mechanical Properties of Polyethylene Composites Reinforced with Short Vetiver Fibers. International Journal of Composite Materials and Matrices. 2025; 11(01): -p. Available from:https://journalspub.com/publication/ijcmm/article=15496

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