Comparative Study of Quasi-Static Bending and Charpy Impact Test Characteristics of Virgin and Recycled Polyethylene Composites Reinforced with Eucalyptus Fibers

The choice of materials for mechanical or civil engineering applications depends on both structural and mechanical characteristics. The latter is more important as the material is intended to support loads that force it to undergo both transverse and longitudinal deformations. The aim of this study is to analyze the three-point bending behavior in the specimen condition of virgin or recycled polyethylene/eucalyptus fiber composites. However, two types of composites were formulated, and bending tests were carried out to determine the deformation characteristics following an applied stress. The elastic modulus E, which characterizes the stiffness or flexibility of the material, was discussed and the results compared between virgin and recycled LDPE matrix composites. Virgin low-density polyethylene (LDPE V ) matrix composites showed better flexural strength than recycled matrix (LDPE R ) composites. On the other hand, Charpy impact strength showed that recycled low-density polyethylene (LDPE R ) matrix composites had better impact strength than virgin low-density polyethylene (LDPE V ) matrix composites.