Degradation of Polypropylene and Jute Fiber-Reinforced Composites Exposed to Natural and Accelerated Aging: Mechanical Properties and Wettability

Abstract

Population growth and the way resources are being exploited are directly affecting the environment. The natural fiber market, for example, is worth billions of dollars and a huge amount of the fibers becomes waste. This considerable amount of waste motivates the study of the fibers as a reinforcement in polymeric matrix, which benefits both the environmental sustainability and technical-commercial development of new materials with good properties and reduced cost. In this study, jute fiber-reinforced composites previously manufactured from an industrial waste (W), polypropylene, compatibilizer, and nano-calcium carbonate (N), were exposed to natural and accelerated aging. The composites were tested by infrared spectroscopy, contact angle (CA) measurement, and tensile test. Infrared analysis showed greater oxidative degradation after accelerated aging. All CA values continued above 90° after natural aging. Among all compositions, the ones with the presence of N had the highest CA values, showing that N acted as a waterproofing agent. After accelerated aging, a significant decrease in all CA values was observed. The composites did not show significant variation in the elastic modulus after either aging. Deformation at break decreased significantly for compositions with no jute fiber in both aging programs. No remarkable reduction was observed in the compositions with jute fibers.

Alkaline Degradation of Plant Fiber Reinforcements in Geopolymer: A Review

“…Filho et al [ 30 ] also demonstrated that PFs are mineralized by the hydration product C-S-H gel. In addition to alkaline hydrolysis of PF, fiber mineralization is also an important cause of loss of fiber strength and strain capacity [ 93 ]. With the increase in fiber water absorption, the penetration of the product into the fiber cavity and the intermediate lamellar fraction increased, accelerating the fiber mineralization and embrittlement behavior.…”

Recycling Waste Polypropylene to Produce New Composite Materials with Jute Reinforcements

“…On the other hand, jute is the cheapest long vegetable bast fiber in Bangladesh. Jute reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites are diversified jute product that has high potential for wider use and applications in the area of furniture's, plant boxes, packaging and tool box, automotive interior, particle board, ceiling, construction purposes, textiles/medical/ cosmetic, domestic appliances etc [4][5][6]. Generally, uses do not require strong mechanical resistance, resulting in lower purchasing and maintenance costs [6].…”

“…Jute reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites are diversified jute product that has high potential for wider use and applications in the area of furniture's, plant boxes, packaging and tool box, automotive interior, particle board, ceiling, construction purposes, textiles/medical/ cosmetic, domestic appliances etc [4][5][6]. Generally, uses do not require strong mechanical resistance, resulting in lower purchasing and maintenance costs [6]. Residents in both rural and urban regions dump plastic garbage carelessly, which has a negative impact on ecosystem services and human well-being.…”