Synthesis and Behavior Study of Basalt Fiber-Made Low-Density Polyethylene Composites Via Injection Mold

Most automotive cabinet and seat frame components are polymer-based lightweight composite materials. The invention of polymer-based composite fulfills industry requirements. The current investigation is to synthesize and study the density, tensile strength and elongation percentage of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) composite made using 0, 5, 10 and 15 wt% of basalt fiber through injection molding. Influences of basalt fiber loading on density, tensile strength and elongation behavior of mono LDPE and LDPE composite with basalt fiber are investigated by the principle of Archimedes and ASTM D3039 standard. Based on the investigational performance, the LDPE composite consists of 15 wt% basalt fiber offered marginal improvement in density, superior tensile strength and better elongation rate of 1.15 ± 0.1 g/cc, 37 ± 0.5 MPa and 165 ± 3%, respectively. This tensile strength/elongation percentage enriched composite sample is suggested for automotive cabinet applications.