Abstract

The study investigated the potential of waste materials, specifically waste low-density polyethene, waste tyres, and banana stem fibres, for use in hybrid composites. Six different formulations were used to produce samples of hybrid composites. These samples were created by varying the compositions of recycled low-density polyethylene, waste ground tyre, and banana stem particulate loadings in weight percentages (Wt%). The loadings for each formulation were as follows: A (100/0/0), B (80/10/10), C (70/20/10), D (60/30/10), E (50/40/10), and F (40/50/10). The compounding process involved using a tworoll mill and hydraulic hot press method. The mechanical and morphological properties of the produced samples were investigated. Results showed that the tensile strength of the samples was lowest at sample E with 6.821 N/mm², while a peak strength of 12.265 N/mm² was observed at control sample A (100 wt % RLDPE). The tensile modulus of the hybrid composite was highest at sample F with 116.729 N/mm², while the lowest modulus was recorded at the control sample with 59.829 N/mm².The increased content of the waste ground tyre rubber increased the hardness property of the samples from 26.5 to 57.2 SHORE D. The impact strength of the samples increased from the control sample to sample E but increased at sample F. The SEM result of sample F revealed improved filler-matrix homogeneity and less agglomeration. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of utilising waste materials in hybrid composites and provides valuable insights into their mechanical and morphological properties.