EFFECTS OF NANOPARTICLE FILLER ON THERMO-PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF RATTAN POWDER-FILLED POLYPROPYLENE COMPOSITES

Abstract

Poor bonding with its accompanying matrix remains the major factor that inhibits the widespread use of natural fiber as filler for composite materials. Recent literature has suggested that this matter can be addressed by applying fillers in nanometer size. Thus, the present study is carried out to investigate the effects of incorporating rattan powder of nanoparticle size into polypropylene (PP) on its thermo-physical properties. Production methodology of nanoparticle, particle analysis, morphological study, and thermal analysis were carried out and discussed. The composites were produced using the twin extrusion moulding. The production of nanoparticle was found optimal under 30 minutes of milling time, confirmed by means of particle analyzer and morphological inspection. Better thermal stability was found in PP reinforced with 5% rattan nanoparticle filler compared to the neat PP and PP with 10% glass fiber.