Fabrication and Study of Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Natural Fibre Composites Material Based on SCB and GNSP

Abstract

To determine the possibility of using sugar- cane bagasse (SCB)and ground nut shell particulate(GNSP) waste as reinforcing ?ller in the thermo plastic polymer matrix, SCB&GNSP-reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites were prepared. The PP and SCB and GNSP composites were prepared by the extrusion of PP and GNSP with 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt % of SCB and GNSP with 3,6,9 and 12% filler in a co rotating twin screw extruder.. The extruded strands were cut into pellets and injection molded to make test specimens. These specimens were tested for physical and mechanical properties such as tensile, flexural, Izod impact strength shore D hardness and water absorption. It was found that the Tensile strength increased from 29.06 to 31.38 MPa, Flexural strength increased from 28.62 to 43.56 MPa, Izod impact strength decreased from 35.11 to 30.93 J/m, and Shore D Hardness increased from 64.88 to 77.89, with increase in filler loading from 5 to 20% in the PP matrix. The decrease in Izod Impact strength and elongation with addition of SCB & GNSP filler to PP matrix follows the general trend of filler effects on polymer matrix. However, the main purpose of this work was to study the effect of SCB & GNSP waste on the mechanical properties of the PP Composites. The SCB and GNSP waste can be used as filler in the PP composites, which will reduce cost and give environmental benefits.