Investigation of mechanical and physical properties of composite made out of Kithul fiber with waste polyethylene

Abstract

In Sri Lanka, waste polyethylene leads to significant social and environmental issues. The optimal solution lies in the advancement of fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composites. Natural fibers made from agricultural waste have several benefits, including low cost and density, non-toxicity, and reduced concern for the environment and waste disposal issues. The research study was conducted to determine the diameter, density, water absorption, SEM, FTIR, and tensile strength of these selected natural fibers. The values for Palmyra and banana fibers obtained maximum average diameter and lowest average diameter are 523.0138 m and 156.996 m, respectively. Sisal fiber has the highest average density (1.159 g/cm3), and Watakeiya fiber has the lowest average density (0.762 g/cm3). The results of water absorption tests performed on seven fibers were analyzed. Banana and Watakeiya fibers had the highest water absorption value, while bamboo and Palmyra fibers had the lowest. Banana and sisal fibers had tensile strengths of 772.5 MPa and 586 MPa, respectively. Kithul fiber was selected as a natural fiber for the investigation. Composite sheets were created using a hot press machine and kithul fibers of various weights with the appropriate polymer matrix, processing temperature, processing pressure, and kithul fiber length. The tests were conducted following ASTM D790 and D3039, respectively. When the kithul fraction was 10% of the total weight, the processing temperature was 150°C, the processing pressure was 30 tons, and the kithul fiber length was 10mm, the maximum tensile strength, and flexural strength were observed as 12.237 MPa and 12.51 MPa, respectively. The final product has an impact resistance of 66.67J/m and flammability of 20.85mm/min, respectively. The final application of this product cannot yet be defined. Further studies are suggested to finalize the application of this product.