Abstract

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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 longation 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