Mechanical and Viscoelastic Performance of Microwave‐Assisted Hemp/Kenaf‐Reinforced Linear Low‐Density Polyethylene Hybrid Composites

ABSTRACT

This study presents microwave‐assisted compression molding of linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) reinforced with woven hemp and kenaf fabrics. Neat LLDPE, hemp/hemp (HH), hemp/kenaf (HK), and kenaf/kenaf laminates were fabricated and characterized for density, void content, tensile, flexural, impact, hardness, and dynamic mechanical behavior. Composite densities ranged from 0.956 ± 0.014 to 0.962 ± 0.014 g/cm ³ , with void contents below 1.34%, indicating good consolidation. Tensile strength increased from 10.95 ± 0.42 MPa for LLDPE to 20.87 ± 0.89 MPa for HK, while flexural strength increased from 10.74 ± 0.60 to 15.30 ± 0.66 MPa. HH exhibited the highest impact energy (2.496 ± 0.112 J), compared with 0.817 ± 0.111 J for LLDPE. The maximum hardness was 52.0 ± 1.58 Shore D for HK; however, hardness differences were not statistically significant. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed an increase in storage modulus from 699.20 MPa for LLDPE to 1767.00 MPa for HK, confirming enhanced dynamic stiffness. Scanning electron microscopy examination revealed good fiber–matrix interlocking and limited fiber pullout. One‐way analysis of variance and Tukey's test confirmed significant sample‐type effects on tensile, flexural, and impact properties, whereas hardness was statistically comparable. Cole–Cole plots indicated heterogeneous relaxation behavior. Overall, HK hybridization provided a favorable balance of mechanical and viscoelastic performance, indicating potential for lightweight semistructural components, interior and decorative panels, small frame components, glazing or window panels, and wooden‐slat substitutes, etc.