Characterization and Properties of PP/NBRr/Kenaf Composites with PPMAH Compatibilizer

Abstract

The incompatibility between the hydrophilic natural fiber and the hydrophobic polymer matrix results in lower mechanical properties of composites as compared to the virgin materials. Thus, the effect of maleic anhydrate modified polypropylene (PPMAH) on the tensile and the morphological properties of the composite polypropylene (PP)/recycled acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBRr)/ Kenaf Fiber composite was investigated. The composite was fabricated by melt mixed the PP with the PPMAH compatibilizer, NBRr and kenaf fiber by using the heated two roll mill at temperature 180 ºC for 9 min at 15 rpm motor speed. Then, it was molded into 1 mm sheet through the hot press and cut into a dumbbell shape. The ratio of NBRr loading in PP was varied from 0 up to 60 phr while kenaf filler and PPMAH remain constant at 15 phr and 4 phr respectively. The tensile properties were determined by using a universal tensile machine (UTM) and the morphology of the specimens was analyzed by using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). As the NBRr loading increased from 0 to 60 phr in the composite, the tensile strength and modulus of elasticity were decreased from 15.5 MPa to 4.4 MPa and 1.2 GPa to 0.4 GPa respectively. Meanwhile, as the rubbery content of NBRr increased, the elongation at break was also increased by 2.2%. The composite with PPMAH compatibilizer indicates an improvement in tensile strength and modulus of elasticity with increment by 15– 69% and 14–73% respectively but decreased in elongation at break by 13–30%. The morphology study shows that the composite with PPMAH compatibilizer having better attachment between the filler and matrix which results in higher tensile strength then non-compatibilized composite.KeywordsRecycled acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBRr)Polypropylene maleic anhydride (PPMAH)Tensile propertiesMorphologyPolypropyleneKenaf