Effective Utilization of Bast Fiber in High Density Polyethylene Nanocomposite Enriched by Alumina Nanoparticle: Mechanical Performance Evaluation

Hybrid polymer nanocomposite is embraced with natural fiber, promising applications because of better flexural strength, water resistance, lower moisture absorption, and extended life span. Besides, it faces the difficulties of poor adhesive quality and larger moisture absorption nature outcomes, as well as a lack of composite performance. The novel work is to synthesize the hybrid high-density polyethylene (HDPE) nanocomposite by the adaptations of 20 vol% chopped bast fiber, and 2, 4, and 6 vol% of nano-alumina (Al₂O₃) particles through hand layup aided thermal compression route, and its absorption of moisture, tensile strength, and hardness is measured. The hybrid high-density polyethylene nanocomposite primed with 20 vol% bast fiber and 6 vol% nano-Al₂O₃ attained a low moisture absorption percentage (7 ± 0.2%), a high tensile strength of 48 ± 2 MPa, and better hardness of 45 ± 0.2 HV, which are greater than the HDPE without bast fiber and nano-Al₂O₃ particles.