Utilization of plastic waste and sugarcane bagasse for sustainable composite material development

Abstract

This study explores the development of sustainable composites using recycled low-density polyethylene (LDPE) reinforced with sugarcane bagasse fiber (SBF). The objective was to examine the influence of fiber loading on morphology, elemental composition, and mechanical properties. Composites with 0–50 wt% SBF were fabricated and analyzed using FESEM–EDS and mechanical testing. Morphological observations showed that neat LDPE had a dense and homogeneous structure, while the addition of SBF created a rough, fibrous morphology that enhanced mechanical interlocking between fiber and matrix. At moderate fiber contents (25–40 wt%), fibers were well dispersed and effectively embedded, whereas at 50 wt% SBF, fiber agglomeration and void formation were observed, indicating poor interfacial bonding. Elemental analysis confirmed the presence of typical lignocellulosic components, including Si, Ca, Fe, K, and Mg, demonstrating the contribution of bagasse fibers to the composite structure. Mechanical results revealed that tensile strength decreased significantly with increasing fiber content, from 128.1 MPa (neat LDPE) to 50.2 MPa at 25 wt% and 31.3 MPa at 50 wt% SBF. In contrast, impact strength improved from 15.14 J/m² to a peak of 18.01 J/m² at 40 wt% SBF, before declining at higher loading. The findings indicate a shift toward material-dominated behavior, where intrinsic interactions between LDPE and SBF govern performance. Overall, 40 wt% SBF provides the best balance between structural integrity and impact resistance, highlighting the potential of LDPE/SBF composites for sustainable material development and waste valorization.