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Improving the processing and rheological properties of natural fibre / polypropylene composites

Abstract:

Processing and rheological properties of natural fibre/polypropylene composites were evaluated using melt flow index (MFI) and torque rheometer tests. These properties have an important impact on manufacturing process of biocomposites either extrusion or injection moulding. Bamboo, sisal and sawdust were used as reinforcement of polypropylene at 20, 30 and 40 wt. % to evaluate the effect of fibre content and kind of filler on the melt flow properties. A coupling agent of maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAPP) was applied at 2, 4 and 6 wt. % to enhance adhesion between fibre and matrix. Without MAPP the maximum fusion torque was increased because the filler content while MFI was reduced. Type of fibre affects MFI considerably. MAPP reduced the maximum torque until to 45% and MFI was increased. This fact reduces the energy needed to develop biocomposites and can be utilized to set ideal processing conditions to optimize production performance.