Improvement of chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties of Polypropylene (PP) - Cellulose microcrystalline composites (CMC)

Abstract

A research paper focuses on investigations of the improvements on chemical and thermal, and mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP) by adding cellulose microcrystalline fillers (CMC). The CMC powder was used as reinforcement in pure PP with various weight percentages 5, 10 and 20 % respectively. The melt mixing process was used to prepare (PP/ CMC) composites. The structural changes of PP/CMC composites were investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. The results of the Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) exhibited that the higher addition of 20% CMC into the pure PP slightly improved both the residue yields and thermal stability. The tensile strength of 20% CMC into pure PP was slightly increased and elongation reduced, compared with pure PP.