Bast Fiber Loaded of Low-Density Polyethylene Composite Prepared via Compression Mold: Performance Evaluation

Polymer composites are widely utilized in engineering and nonengineering applications because they are stable, have better strength, are durable, and have good fracture toughness. The advantages of bast fiber are utilized as 0, 8, 12, and 16 volume percentages (vol%) as reinforcement phase for low-density polyethylene (LDPE) composite fabrication by utilizing compression technology. The bast fiber adaptations on tensile strength, microhardness, and impact toughness properties of LDPE composites are studied and evaluated by the ASTM D3039, D4762, and D7565 standards. Improving the loading content of bast fiber in an LDPE polymer matrix is observed in progressive enhancement in tensile property, microhardness, and impact property of the composite. Specifically, the LDPE polymer composite prepared via 16 vol% of bast fiber provided better tensile strength, a marginal improvement in hardness, and good impact toughness characteristics, and its values are 12.7 ± 0.3 MPa, 35 ± 2 HV, and 7.7 ± 0.3 J/mm2 respectively. However, the bast fiber fabricated composites have gained better functional performance compared to LDPE matrix.