Effects of Filler and Coupling Agent on the Properties of Bamboo Fiber-Reinforced Polypropylene Composites

Abstract

Bamboo fiber (BF) filled polypropylene (PP) composites were manufactured by melt compounding and injection molding. The incorporation of BF to neat PP increased the decomposition temperatures of the composites compared to neat PP. The loading of BF to PP decreased the melting temperature, melting enthalpy, crystallization enthalpy, crystallization temperature, and crystallinity. Tensile modulus, impact resistance, and creep improved as BF loading increased. However, tensile strength and water desorption were decreased by the increase of BF loading. The addition of maleated polypropylene (MAPP) as a coupling agent increased the tensile strength and modulus. The melting enthalpy and crystallization enthalpy were decreased by the addition of MAPP. The loading of MAPP also improved the water desorption, impact resistance, and bamboo fiber dispersion into neat PP matrix, while lowering creep. There was no significant effect of MAPP on the thermal deformation and melting temperature of the composites. The melting enthalpy, crystallization temperature, crystallization enthalpy, and crystallinity were decreased by the addition of MAPP.