Characterizations of Isoberlina Fiber Reinforced Recycled Low-Density Polyethylene Composites

Recently, environmental pollution caused inadequate plastic waste management have highlighted the need for sustainable solutions that can transform waste into high-value materials for structural applications. In this study, we present recycled low-density polyethylene (rLDPE) composites reinforced with natural Isoberlina fiber, which enhances mechanical performance and industrial viability. The rLDPE compounds reinforced with Isoberlina fiber were produced following standard compounding and molding procedures in accordance with ASTM/ISO standards. We characterized these compounds using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) to assess their temperature resistance. Additionally, we evaluated various properties of the materials, including density, water absorption, tensile strength, elasticity, flexural strength, Shore hardness, and creep behavior. inadequate plastic waste management has necessitated sustainable solutions that transform waste into materials with high added value for structural applications. Composites with 50 % fiber by weight exhibited the best performance, characterized by a tensile strength of ≈ approximately 71 MPa, a stiffness modulus of ≈ approximately 3.89 GPa, a flexural strength of ≈ roughly 77.1 MPa, and a hardness of ≈ approximately 68.6 Shore. In DMA, the storage modulus reached ≈4.0 GPa for the compound with 50% fiber, compared to ≈0.4 GPa for the unreinforced rLDPE, reflecting a marked increase in elastic load-bearing capacity. The loss modulus decreased with increasing temperature and frequency, suggesting lower viscous dissipation and better matrix-fiber load transfer. In creep tests, the reinforced composite exhibited a longer equilibrium time (≈ approximately 37.6 min) and a lower deformation rate than the unreinforced rLDPE. The use of Isoberlina natural fiber improves LDPE waste, resulting in high-performance composites with enhanced mechanical, dynamic, and service properties. This approach provides a technical and scalable method for transforming plastic waste into lightweight structural components, supporting circular economy strategies and replacing conventional materials in non-critical applications.