Synthesis and dynamic mechanical analysis of fiber reinforced low-density polyethylene hybrid polymer composites

Abstract A fiber reinforced polymer composite material is made of a fibrous material embedded in a resin matrix, generally laminated with fibers oriented in a particular direction to give the strength and stiffness. Polymeric materials reinforced with fibers provide improved high stiffness and strength as compared to conventional materials. Low-density polyethylene composites (LDPE) reinforced with Glass, Carbon and Kevlar fiber, were prepared by a compression molding technique. The modulus and absorption properties of the materials were studied by Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) Test and FT_IR Technic. The resultant composites were investigated to determine the effects of fibers on their mechanical properties. The various modulus properties of composites were determined by DMA analysis. This is mainly due to the proper bonding interaction between the polymer matrix and the bidirectional layer of fibers. Carbon fiber has crystalline or partly crystalline structures. Composites reinforced with Glass fiber and carbon fiber has the highest impact energy. The results clearly show that when the low-density polyethylene matrix is reinforced with fibers, morphological changes take place depending on the fiber.