Improvement of mechanical properties of polypropylene composite using filler, modifier and reinforcement

Abstract

This study focuses on improvement of mechanical and physical properties of polypropylene (PP) composite using filler, modifier and jute fiber as reinforcement. Rice husk ash (RHA), low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and jute fiber were used as filler, modifier, and reinforcement in the PP matrix, respectively. A series of test specimens were using various compositions of PP, fillers, modifiers, and reinforcement. Materials were mixed using two roll mixing machine, and specimens were prepared using injection molding machine. The specimens were evaluated on the basis of mechanical (tensile strength, elongation at break) and Physical (water absorption) properties. Effect of RHA was assessed on the basis of mechanical properties. Surface property of the PP composites was studied using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The water absorption property of composites with various compositions was investigated. Further attempts had been made to optimize the three process parameters (RHA, LDPE, jute fiber) in the PP composite with respect to its tensile strength. The optimum parameters for the PP composite were found to be 10 wt% RHA, 10 wt% LDPE and 25 wt% jute reinforcement, respectively in the PP matrix.