Thermal, Mechanical and Morphological Behavior of Poly(propylene)/Wood Flour Composites

Abstract

The comparative studies on the thermal, mechanical and morphological behavior of compression molded poly(propylene) (PP)/wood flour (WF) composites were performed using wood flours (WFs) of different origins. The comparison has been made on the basis of results obtained from thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and tensile testing. It has been demonstrated that an addition of 5 wt.‐% of maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (PP‐g‐MA) has a significant effect on the morphological and thermomechanical behavior of the composites. Although, microscopic examinations revealed no significant differences in the morphology of the compatibilized composites, a remarkable improvement of thermal degradation behavior was observed. From the view point of mechanical properties, the composites with high amount of filler (60 wt.‐%) showed similar behavior irrespective of the origin of wood flour.

Analysis of Morphological and Mechanical Behaviors of Bamboo Flour Reinforced Polypropylene Composites

“…All the samples except pure iPP were broken below 2% strain. The strain of polypropylene goes beyond the 300% (curve is not shown) (Adhikari et al 2012). The mechanical properties of the composites with respect to strain at break have decreased as the flour content increased.…”

“…The use of suitable compatibilizers or the chemical treatment of filler and matrix would be some alternatives to minimize the problem of compatibility (Rowell 2005, Wu et al 2000, Nachtigall et al 2007). The mechanical, morphological and thermal properties of different wood flour (sisal, jute, flex, hemp, kneaf, bamboo, oil palm) of various size and concentration have been studied and reviewed in detail (Adhikari et al 2012, Zaini et al 1996, Kalaprasad et al 2004, Chattopadhayay, 2011. Aim of the study was to study the effectiveness of chemically modified bamboo flour through analyzing morphological and mechanical behaviors of the bamboo flour reinforced polypropylene composites.…”

Synthesis and Characterization of Urea–Formaldehyde Eco-Friendly Composite Based On Natural Fibers

“…Natural fibers are emerging and superior alternatives compared to glass and other inorganic fiber-based fillers for reinforcement in polymer composites from economic and ecological points of view. Environmental awareness has aroused massive interest in the research and the development of biodegradable and high-performance materials (Adhikari et al 2012, Mohanty et al 2002. Natural fiber (NF) composites are claimed to offer environmental advantages such as reduced dependence on non-renewable energy/material sources, lower pollutant emissions, lower greenhouse gas emissions, enhanced energy recovery and biodegradability of components (Christjanson et al 2006).…”

Role of Compatibilizer on Morphological and Mechanical Properties of Low Cost Polypropylene/Wood Flour Composites

“…All the samples except pure iPP were broken below 2% strain. The strain of polypropylene goes beyond 150% (curve is not shown) 14 . The mechanical properties of the composites with respect to strain at break have decreased as the flour content is increased.…”

“…Furthermore, the combination of those two approaches (i.e., the use of pretreated fillers together with matrix-based coupling agents) has been reported as well. The mechanical, morphological and thermal properties of different wood flour (sisal, jute, flex, hemp, kenaf, bamboo, oil palm) of various size and concentration have been studied and reviewed in detail 4,5,[14][15][16] .…”