New composites based on poly(propylene) as polymer matrix and hemp strands as natural reinforcement have been developed by injection-molding. The materials were previously mixed in a two roll mill to induce the dispersion of the fiber inside the polymer. To improve the adhesion between both components, maleated poly(propylene) was added as coupling agent, at 4% wt/wt with respect to hemp strands. The addition of this amount of this coupling agent to the formulation modified with 40 wt % of hemp strands increases the ultimate tensile strength ( t ) and flexural strength ( f ) up to 49 and 38%, respectively, compared with the composite without coupling agent. The interaction between the surface of hemp strands and the coupling agent was determined by FT-IR spectroscopy assuming that a covalent bond was established, avoiding the adverse effect of the poor compatibility at the interface for this kind of composites.

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