Influence of MA-g-PP on abrasive wear behaviour of chopped sisal fibre reinforced polypropylene composites

Abstract

In this paper, chopped sisal fibre reinforced polypropylene composites with and without maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MA-g-PP) were developed. Different amounts of MA-g-PP, e.g. 1, 2 and 5-wt% were added to modify the composites. Abrasive wear and mechanical properties of sisal fibre reinforced polypropylene composites were determined. Addition of MA-g-PP improved the mechanical properties of the composite. Effects of MA-g-PP coupling agent, sliding distance and load on abrasive wear behaviour of sisal fibre reinforced PP composites were studied by using a SUGA abrasion tester. Addition of MA-g-PP coupling agent has significantly influenced the wear resistance of sisal fibre reinforced PP composites. It is observed in chopped sisal fibre reinforced polypropylene composite that initially at low loads (i.e. 1 N and 3 N), sample having 1-wt% MA-g-PP exhibited maximum wear resistance but at higher applied loads (i.e. 5 N and 7 N), sample having 2-wt% MA-g-PP offered maximum wear resistance. The higher concentration of MA-g-PP, i.e. 5-wt% has increased the internal slippage of chain molecules, leading to lowering the wear resistance of composite. Worn and fractured surfaces were analyzed and discussed using SEM.