Study on the Performance of Hybrid Jute/Betel Nut Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene Composites

Abstract

The newest research and development results dealing with natural short fiber composites show new possibilities for environmentally-friendly materials. Current production trends clearly indicate the increased use of structural, nonstructural and molded natural fiber based composite panels for many applications. In our present work, two types of short natural fibers, namely jute and betel nut fibers, are employed as fillers for the formation of short fiber reinforced polypropylene composites in difference ratios (fiber content: 3, 5, 10 and 20 wt%) by hot-press moulding technique. Different jute-betel nut reinforced polypropylene hybrid composites were prepared in the ratio of 10:5, 10:10 and 10:15 wt% fiber contents with 85% PP, 80% PP and 75% PP, respectively. Mechanical properties of the composites, i.e., tensile, bending and impact strengths, were investigated. For better compatibility, jute and betel nut fibers were subjected to alkalization and the hybrid composites of alkalized jute/betel nut and PP showed much improved performance with respect to other composites. Water absorption capacity and degradation behavior of the different composites were also studied.