The Effects of Kenaf Loadings and 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) Coupling Agent on Mechanical Properties of Polypropylene/Waste Tire Dust/Kenaf (Pp/WTD/KNF) Composites

Abstract

The mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP)/waste tire dust (WTD)/kenaf (KNF) composites with and without 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) coupling agent were investigated. The composites were prepared using a Thermo Haake Polydrive internal mixer, where different KNF loading (0, 5, 10, 15, 20 phr) were used. The results revealed that the tensile modulus increased with increasing KNF loading but tensile strength and elongation at break were found decreased. Composites with APTES give higher tensile strength and modulus but lower elongation at break than composites without APTES. The presence of APTES enhanced the interfacial adhesion between PP/WTD matrices and KNF which result in higher tensile strength and modulus of the composites. These findings were supported by the morphological study of the tensile fractured surfaces of the composites.