A Comparision Analysis on Mechanical Properties between between Wax/LDPE Composite Versus Versus Coconut Coir/wax/LDPE Hybrid

Natural fibers are, currently, as one of potential's reinforcing fiber source. One of their potential, especially which is related to mechanical reinforcement, can be found in coconut coir. By adding wax and low density polyethylene as reinforced matrix to coconut coir, in fact, will enhance the mechanical properties of the resulting hybrid composites. Therefore, in order to find out the optimum properties of coconut coir, this study is focused on how the mechanical characteristic of coconut coir and wax produced by inducing LDPE. In this study, by mixing the coconut coir, wax, and LDPE into four new polymer compositions, we found that the higher value obtained of the tensile strength, and hardness is by mixing between 8wt. % coconut coir with 2 wt. % wax hybrid, while for impact test LDPE/wax composites showed significantly higher impact. With two different methods applied, we carry out the study through hot plate magnetic stirrer for wax and LDPE mixing, while to coconut coir, wax, and LDPE with hot press. By examining the results related to mechanical properties value, we found that the most suitable mixtures of an optimal composition is obtained with 90 wt. % LDPE, 4 wt. % wax, and 6 wt. % coconut coir. Here, the LDPE, wax, and coconut coir mixture produces a new hybrid polymer