Polypropylene matrix composites reinforced with coconut fibers

Abstract

Polypropylene matrix composites reinforced with treated coconut fibers were produced. Fibers chemically treated (alkalization-CCUV samples) or mechanically treated (ultrasonic shockwave-CMUV samples) were dried using UV radiation. The goal was to combine low cost and eco-friendly treatments to improve fiber-matrix adhesion. Composite samples containing up to 20 vol. (%) of untreated and treated coconut fibers were taken from boxes fabricated by injection molding. Water absorption and mechanical properties were investigated according to ASTM D570-98 and ASTM D638-03, respectively. Electrical characterizations were carried out to identify applications of these composites in the electrical sector. NBR 10296-Electrical Tracking Standard (specific to industry applications) and conductivity measurements were obtained applying 5 kV DC to the samples. CMUV samples containing 5 vol. (%) fiber presented superior tensile strength values (σ~28 MPa) compared to the untreated fibers composite (σ~22 MPa) or alkali treatment (σ~24 MPa). However, CMUV composites containing 10 vol. (%) fiber presented best results for the electrical tracking test and electrical resistivity (3 × 10 7 Ω.m). The results suggest that composites reinforced with mechanically treated coconut fibers are suitable for electrical applications.

Morphology, Mechanical Properties and Dimensional Stability of Biomass Particles/High Density Polyethylene Composites: Effect of Species and Composition

“…Beyond that, the hollow cylindrical bamboo cell ( Figure 3 d) played an energy-absorbing role in the polyethylene matrix, similar to a crash box. Wheat straw/HDPE exhibited the lowest impact strength compared to the other composites, possibly because the particles were not sufficiently wetted by the polymer, resulting in fiber agglomeration and blocked load transfer [ 36 ]. Moreover, the small wheat straw particle size did not lead to high impact strength because the extractives in wheat straw played a role in determining the crack initiation process by lowering the interaction between particles and the coupling agent [ 12 ].…”

Polypropylene/Maleic Anhydride Grafted Polypropylene (MAgPP)/Coconut Fiber Composites

“…Note that poor interfacial bonding of natural fiber-polymer matrix leads to lower mechanical and thermal properties of the final products; therefore, the improvement of the interfacial adhesion is considered. [1][2][3][4][5] Maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene (MAgPP) is a compatibilizer which is very effective and commonly used for natural fiber and polymer matrix at the interface. 6 Recently, most of the natural fibers can be obtained as a by-product such as coconut fiber generated from food industry and coastal touristic regions in Thailand.…”

Effect of the Glycerol and Lignin Extracted from Piassava Fiber in Cassava and Corn Starch Films

“…This can be proven by the high number of patents, papers and products already marketed [1][2][3][4][5][6] . Piassava fibers are extracted from the palm tree Attalea funifera Martius.…”