Barium titanate exposure on metallographic and mechanical performance of coir fiber made low‐density polyethylene composite

Abstract

AbstractTechnological growth and biodegradable waste natural fibers are significant choices in polymer matrix composite preparation because of their distinct qualities from monopoly matrix. During the fabrication process, the natural fiber faces poor compatibility and lack of adhesive behavior, resulting in reduced tensile strength and stiffness of the composite. The theme of the research is expanding the mechanical behavior of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) composite by the exposure of sodium hydroxide‐treated coir fiber (CF) and barium titanate (BaTiO3) through an injection molding route. Influences of CF and BaTiO3 on metallographic, tensile, flexural, and impact strength and microhardness of LDPE composite are evaluated, and its outcomes are compared with mono LDPE. The surface morphology of the developed composite is exposed to homogenous dispersion of BaTiO3 with effective adhesive bonding with CF, which facilitates superior mechanical properties. The LDPE hybrid composite consists of 30 wt% CF and 2.5 wt% of BaTiO3 and is exploited about 69 ± 1.5 MPa of tensile strength, 54 ± 0.5 MPa of flexural strength, 4.9 ± 0.01 J of impact energy, and 31 ± 1.5HV of microhardness, this is greater than the mono LDPE (unreinforced). The enriched LDPE hybrid composite is suggested for automotive dashboard applications.