Kenaf–polypropylene composites manufactured from blended fiber mats

Abstract

Experimental investigations were conducted on kenaf–polypropylene composites manufactured from preformed mats consisting of kenaf and polypropylene fibers in a ratio of 1 : 1 in weight to explore the prospects of annual natural plant fibers as reinforcements for polymer–matrix composites. Surface treatments to the comingled kenaf–polypropylene fiber mats were first carried out using different coupling agents to increase the compatibility of the natural fiber and the polypropylene matrix. Kenaf–polypropylene composite laminates were fabricated from the mats via compression molding. Experimental results indicated that, among the coupling agents chosen, maleated polypropylene was the most effective coupling agent to significantly improve the mechanical performance of the composites. Analyses using Fourier transform infrared spectrometer and scanning electron microscopy revealed that maleated polypropylene was able to promote strong adhesion between the kenaf fibers and the polypropylene matrix at their interfaces. The outcomes of the study indicate that the use of the preformed fiber mats in combination with fiber surface modifications makes it possible to efficiently produce natural fiber reinforced composites with excellent mechanical properties.