Mechanical and Thermogravimetric Properties of PP Based Thermoplastic Composites Reinforced with Cotton and Polyester Waste under Dry and Wet Conditions

Abstract

ABSTRACT The textile waste-based composites are environmentally friendly and economical. This study reports polypropylene composites reinforced with cotton fibers extracted from waste textiles and polyester fibers generated in the industry. The composites reinforced with 40 wt% of cotton fibers exhibited a reduction in tensile and flexural strength by ~50 and ~20%, respectively and compared to neat polypropylene. However, the Young’s and flexural modulus increases by ~36 and ~4%, respectively, compared to neat polypropylene. The izod impact strength of composite reinforced with 40 wt% of cotton increases by ~58% than neat polypropylene. Similarly, the composites reinforced with 40 wt% of polyester fibers exhibited a reduction in tensile, flexural, and impact strength by ~107, ~60, and ~23%, respectively, compared to neat polypropylene. The Young’s and flexural modulus also decreases by ~38 and ~78%, respectively, compared to neat polypropylene. The equilibrium water content of the composite was found to increase with cotton fiber loading.