Abstract
This study deals with the development and optimization of hybrid composites integrating microcrystalline cellulose and short basalt fibers in a polypropylene (PP) matrix to maximize the mechanical properties of resulting composites. To this aim, the effects of two different coupling agents, endowed with maleic anhydride (MA-g(grafted)-PP) and acrylic acid (AA-g-PP) functionalities, on the composite properties were investigated as a function of their amount. Tensile, flexural, impact and heat deflection temperature tests highlighted the lower reactivity and effectiveness of AA-g-PP, regardless of reinforcement type. Hybrid formulations with basalt/cellulose (15/15) and with 5 wt. % of MA-g-PP displayed remarkable increases in tensile strength and modulus, flexural strength and modulus, and notched Charpy impact strength, of 45% and 284%, 97% and 263%, and 13%, in comparison with neat PP, respectively. At the same time, the thermo-mechanical stability was enhanced by 65% compared to neat PP. The results of this study, if compared with the ones available in the literature, reveal the ability of such a combination of reinforcements to provide materials suitable for automotive applications with environmental benefits.
Highlights
Natural fiber-reinforced composites owe their use to the increasing demand for lightweight materials endowed with a reduced environmental footprint
The aim of this work was to develop hybrid composites addressing the effect of combining microcrystalline cellulose with basalt fibers in a polypropylene matrix, with a view to enhancing the biobased amount by decreasing the inorganic reinforcement, despite being renewable in nature
The results show the beneficial effects of both microcrystalline microcrystalline cellulose cellulose (MCC)
Summary
Natural fiber-reinforced composites owe their use to the increasing demand for lightweight materials endowed with a reduced environmental footprint. This is true in the automotive sector, where their inherent properties, such as biodegradability, being lightweight and low-cost, and life-cycle superiority compared to synthetic fiber-reinforced composites, are well appreciated. A decrease of 10% in a vehicle’s weight is estimated to result in a 6–8% reduction in fuel consumption [1]. These considerations, coupled with a stricter legislation, have triggered the wide acceptance of natural fiber composites in the automotive sector, mainly as nonstructural interior parts, such as indoor panels, dashboards, seat backs, headliners and storage bins.
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