Potential of natural fibers in the modification of mechanical behavior of polypropylene hybrid composites

Abstract

The effect of natural fiber loading on Mechanical characteristics of Polypropylene based hybrid composites is reported. Four composite systems were considered for investigation: Neat Polypropylene (PP), PP/5 wt% sisal fiber/5 wt% Ramie fiber (PP/10), PP/10 wt% sisal fiber/10 wt% Ramie fiber (PP/20) and PP/15 wt% sisal fiber/15 wt% Ramie fiber (PP/30). The hybrid composites were processed and developed by melt mix method with the help of Twin screw extrusion and injection molding. The mechanical response of hybrid composites was investigated through tensile behaviour, flexural behavior and impact behaviour in accordance with ASTM method at room temperature. It was found from the experimented results that the individual fibers had their own sole impact on mechanical properties of Polypropylene natural composites. It was revealed that the hybrid fiber loading has promoted the mechanical behaviour of PP based fibrous composites. It was found that tensile strength and flexural strength of PP/30 hybrid composites was enhanced by 11% and 52% over neat PP as an effect of inclusion of natural fibers. This is because of the enhancement of modulus of PP/30 composites. Further, the significant surface interaction of natural fibers with the matrix made hybrid composites to exhibit good mechanical properties. The reinforcement of effect of hybrid fibers totally decreased the impact strength. It was noticed that the impact strength of PP/30 composites was same as that of neat PP. The SEM photographs exhibits the morphology of fractured surfaces. Among the hybrid composites studied, PP/30 hybrid composites exhibited the better mechanical behavior.