Fabrication and Characterization of Jute Reinforced Polypropylene Composite: Effectiveness of Coupling Agents

Abstract

Composites based on poly (propylene) (PP) matrix and both, untreated 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and starch treated jute fabrics were prepared by compression molding. Fiber content in the composites was optimized (45% by weight) with the extent of mechanical properties. HEMA solutions of different concentrations in methanol (MeOH) along with the photoinitiator Darocur-1173 were prepared. Jute fabrics treated with 15% HEMA at 20th UV (ultraviolet radiation) pass for 15 min showed better performance. For the improvement of the properties, jute fabrics were treated with starch solutions of different concentrations for different soaking times. Improved mechanical properties, such as tensile strength (19%), tensile modulus (29%), bending strength (27%), bending modulus (12%), and impact strength (60%), were found in 5% starch treated jute fabrics/PP composites as compared to the untreated composite. HEMA treated jute fabrics were again treated with starch (5%) solution and found to deliver the best results, such as tensile strength (23%), bending strength (35%), tensile modulus (33%), bending modulus (15%), and impact strength (71%), over the untreated composite. Scanning electron microscopic analysis, water uptake, thermal aging, and dielectric properties of the treated and untreated composites were performed.

Mechanical properties of polypropylene composites

“…Tensile properties of FRPCs can be determined according to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D638 113 ,123 –125 or DIN 53455 method. 126 TS of FRPCs is determined by the following equation:…”

“…However since 1997, only three-point loading is included in ASTM D790 and a new ASTM standard has been created for four-point loading which is ASTM D6272. Without ASTM standard, DIN 53452 method 126 can be used also to determine the bending properties of FRPCs. For a rectangular sample of FRPCs under load in a three-point bending setup, the BS is calculated by the following formula:…”

Mechanical properties of virgin and recycled polyolefin-based composite laminates reinforced with jute fabric

“…Furthermore, the intrinsic hydrophilic nature of jute reinforcements results in insufficient adhesion at the polymer matrix interface leading to debonding during use and aging . At this regard, considering that the strength of the interfacial bond between the matrix and the reinforcements strongly influences the ultimate performances of the composites , various treatments of lignocellulosic reinforcements or the use of coupling agents have been the object of considerable efforts. In this latter case, one of the agents that behave most effectively for PP‐natural fiber‐based composites is maleic anhydride‐grafted polypropylene (MAPP) .…”

Investigation of Dielectric Properties of Industrial Waste Reinforced Particulate Polymer Composites

“…Both synthetic and natural fibers are reinforced in polymers and investigate mechanical, electrical and thermal properties by different researchers [4][5][6][7]. Jute fiber reinforced polypropylene composites prepared by injection moulding method has been investigated and reported as posttreated specimens yielded better mechanical results compared to raw ones [8,9].…”