Physical and Mechanical Properties of Filler Loading on Low- Density Polyethylene/Doum Fibre Composite
1 Department of polymer and Textile Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria,
2 Department of Polymer and Textile Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
3 Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Kogi State Nigeria
4 Department of Chemical Engineering, Nasarawa State University Keffi, Nigeria
* Corresponding author: abdul2sure4real@gmail.com
2 Department of Polymer and Textile Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
3 Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Kogi State Nigeria
4 Department of Chemical Engineering, Nasarawa State University Keffi, Nigeria
* Corresponding author: abdul2sure4real@gmail.com
Abstract
This study investigates the physical and mechanical properties of low-density polyethylene (LDPE)/doum fibre
composites with varying filler loadings. Six composite samples were fabricated using a metal mould of dimensions
120 × 120 × 3 mm, with LDPE and doum fibre mixed in ratios of 100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, and 50:50.
Processing was carried out at 120 °C for 5–10 minutes. The prepared samples were subjected to tensile tests to
evaluate tensile strength, strain, percentage elongation at break, Young’s modulus, and density. Results revealed that
the neat LDPE sample (100:0) exhibited the highest tensile strength, strain, and elongation at break, whereas the 50:50
LDPE/doum fibre composite recorded the highest Young’s modulus. The findings indicate that increasing doum fibre
content, accompanied by a reduction in LDPE, decreases tensile strength, strain, and elongation at break, while
enhancing the stiffness of the composite as reflected in the increased Young’s modulus.
Keywords
Doum Palm Nut
Low-Density Polyethylene
High-Density Polyethylene
Sodium hydroxide
Composite
References
- Alabi B.R. (2011). Comparative analysis of bio-composites from Kenaf and Roselle fibres in virgin and recycle low density polyethylene matrix. Department of Chemical Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Masters project 2011.
- Al Maadeed, M. A., Kahraman, R., & Khanam, P. N. (2012). Date palm wood flour/glass fiber reinforced hybrid composites of recycled polypropylene: Mechanical and thermal properties. Materials and Design, 42, 289-294. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2012.05.055](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2012.05.055)
- Butylina, S., Martikka, O., & Kärki, T. (2011). Physical and mechanical properties of wood-polypropylene composites made with virgin and or recycled polypropylene. Polymer and Plastics Technology and Engineering, 50, 1040-1046. [https://doi.org/10.1080/03602559.2011.557823](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://doi.org/10.1080/03602559.2011.557823)
- Cantero, G., Arbelaiz, A., Llano-Ponte, R., & Mondragon, I. (2003). Studies on natural fiber composites with poly (phenylene oxide). Composite Science Technology, 63, 1247-1254. [https://doi.org/10.1016/](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://doi.org/10.1016/) S0266-3538(03)00094-0
- Deborah, D. L., & Chung (2017). Polymer-matrix composites: Structure and processing composites with carbon fibers. Nano fibers and Nanotubes, 161-161.
- Dennis Malpass (2010). Introduction to Industrial Polyethylene: Properties, Catalysts, and Processes: John Wiley and Sons. pp. 1-. ISBN 978-0-470-62598-9
- Drummer, Dietmar & Seefried, A. & Meister, Steve. (2014). Characterization of Material Stiffness on Injection Molded Micro Specimens Using Different Test Methods.. Advances in Materials Science and Engineering. 2014. 10.1155/2014/769206.
- Maheswari, C. U., Reddy, K. O., Muzenda, E., & Rajulu, A. V. (2012). Tensile and thermal properties of polycarbonate coated tamarind fruit fibers. International Journal of Polymer Analysis and Characterization, 17, 578-589. [https://doi.org/10.1080/1023666X.2012.718527](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://doi.org/10.1080/1023666X.2012.718527)
- Mahfuz A., Adnan A., Rangari V.K., Jeelani S., Jang B.Z. (2014). Carbon nanoparticles/ whiskers reinforced composites and their tensile response. Compos Sci Technol Part A; 35:519-527
How to Cite
Abdulrahman, A. S., B, W., B, O. C., S, M., B.C, E., & L.O, Y. (2024). Physical and Mechanical Properties of Filler Loading on Low- Density Polyethylene/Doum Fibre Composite. Nigerian Journal of Materials Science and Engineering, 14(1), 54 - 60.
A. S. Abdulrahman, W. B, O. C. B, M. S, E. B.C, and Y. L.O, "Physical and Mechanical Properties of Filler Loading on Low- Density Polyethylene/Doum Fibre Composite," Nigerian Journal of Materials Science and Engineering, vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 54 - 60, June 2024.
