Influence of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes on the Rheological Behavior and Physical Properties of Kenaf Fiber-Reinforced Polypropylene Composites

The application of natural fibers is increasing rapidly in the polymer-based composites. This study investigates manufacturing and characterization of polypropylene (PP) based composites reinforced with three different natural fibers: jute, kenaf, and pineapple leaf fiber (PALF). In each case, the fiber weight percentages were varied by 30 wt.%, 35 wt.%, and 40 wt.%. Mechanical properties such as tensile, flexural, and impact strengths were determined by following the relevant standards. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was employed to identify the chemical interactions between the fiber and the PP matrix material. Tensile strength and Izod impact strength of the composites significantly increased for all the composites with different fiber contents when compared to the pure PP matrix. The tensile moduli of the composites were compared to the values obtained from two theoretical models based on the modified “rule of mixtures” method. Results from the modelling agreed well with the experimental results. Tensile strength (ranging from 43 to 58 MPa), flexural strength (ranging from 53 to 67 MPa), and impact strength (ranging from 25 to 46 kJ/m2) of the composites significantly increased for all the composites with different fiber contents when compared to the pure PP matrix having tensile strength of 36 MPa, flexural strength of 53 Mpa, and impact strength of 22 kJ/m2. Furthermore, an improvement in flexural strength but not highly significant was found for majority of the composites. Overall, PALF-PP displayed better mechanical properties among the composites due to the high tensile strength of PALF. In most of the cases, T98 (degradation temperature at 98% weight loss) of the composite samples was higher (532–544 °C) than that of 100% PP (500 °C) matrix. Fractured surfaces of the composites were observed in a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and analyses were made in terms of fiber matrix interaction. This comparison will help the researcher to select any of the natural fiber for fiber-based reinforced composites according to the requirement of the final product.

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“…Azam et el. [ 27 ] reported that with the increase in kenaf fibers in the PP matrix materials, the activation energy increases.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing Mechanical Properties of Jute, Kenaf, and Pineapple Leaf Fiber-Reinforced Polypropylene Composites: Experiment and Modelling

et al. 2023

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“…Similar results for numerous fibre reinforced composites have been reported. 15,25,26 The complex viscosity of the 20CF composite continued to rise when GNP was added, though not as dramatically as when CF was. The η* gradually increased with increasing filler amounts.…”

Section: Melt Rheological Behaviormentioning

confidence: 99%

The synergistic effects of micro-and nano-fillers on the properties of polyamide 11/poly (lactic acid) blend

Üçpinar Durmaz,

Aytac

2023

Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials

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This study focused on investigating the effects of micro-scale carbon fibers (CF) and nano-scale graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) on the morphological, rheological, mechanical, thermo-mechanical and thermal properties of polyamide 11/poly (lactic acid) (PA11/PLA) blend. A twin-screw extruder and an injection molding machine were utilized to produce the samples. The amount of GNPs was varied up to 5 wt% for a fixed CF fraction of 20 wt%, and the composites were characterized. SEM micrographs of hybrid composites revealed stronger interfacial interactions between the matrix and CF and improved dispersion of GNPs. The pseudo solid-like behavior transition and high modulus detected in the rheological study with the addition of GNP confirmed the strong matrix-filler interactions in hybrid composites. The synergistic effects of multi-scale fillers have been observed in mechanical and thermo-mechanical properties. In comparison to 20CF, hybrid composites’ tensile strength and modulus increased by 8%–4.8% and 4.5%–17%, respectively, by adding 0.5–5 wt% GNP. Dynamic mechanical analysis revealed that the tan δ peak shifted to higher temperatures in low GNP containing hybrid composites, indicating an increase in Tg. Also, differential scanning calorimetry confirmed the Tg increment and synergistic effect of fillers on crystallization. The thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated that hybrid composites exhibited enhanced thermal stability. As a consequence, these hybrid composites offer an inventive viewpoint for environmentally friendly composites in the automobile industry thanks to their enhanced mechanical and thermal characteristics.

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“…Azam, F.A. et al [71] found that the water absorption of kenaf fiber/polypropylene composites without the addition of nanomaterials was lower than that of composites with the addition of multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Majeed, K. et al [72] studied the effect of maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (PP-g-MAH) and nano montmorillonite (MMT) on the water absorption of rice husk fiber (RH)/polypropylene composite materials.…”

Section: Nanofillersmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A nanoclay layer forms an impermeable me dium to prevent the flow of water molecules, allowing for longer diffusion time of wate molecules, and reduces the water absorption of the composite material. Azam F A et al[71…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Recent Progress on Moisture Absorption Aging of Plant Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites

Wang,

Chen,

Wang

et al. 2023

Polymers

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Plant fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites have attracted much attention in many industries due to their abundant resources, low cost, biodegradability, and lightweight properties. Compared with synthetic fibers, various plant fibers are easy to obtain and have different characteristics, making them a substitute for synthetic fiber composite materials. However, the aging phenomenon of composite materials has been a key issue that hinders development. In natural environments, moisture absorption performance leads to serious degradation of the mechanical properties of composite materials, which delays the use of composite materials in humid environments. Therefore, the effects of moisture absorption performance of plant fiber composite materials on their mechanical properties have been summarized in this article, as well as various treatment methods to reduce the water absorption of composite materials.

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Influence of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes on the Rheological Behavior and Physical Properties of Kenaf Fiber-Reinforced Polypropylene Composites

Cited by 9 publications

References 33 publications

Assessing Mechanical Properties of Jute, Kenaf, and Pineapple Leaf Fiber-Reinforced Polypropylene Composites: Experiment and Modelling

Assessing Mechanical Properties of Jute, Kenaf, and Pineapple Leaf Fiber-Reinforced Polypropylene Composites: Experiment and Modelling

The synergistic effects of micro-and nano-fillers on the properties of polyamide 11/poly (lactic acid) blend

Recent Progress on Moisture Absorption Aging of Plant Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites

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