Polypropylene/wood powder/ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber‐maleic anhydride composites: Effect of PP melt flow index on the thermal, mechanical, thermomechanical, water absorption, and morphological parameters

Abstract

Environmental damage promoted trough post‐consumer waste from the wood industry has worried the society, while its inadequate disposal has raised concerns of the scientific community. Environmentally and economically effective alternative is reusing this residue to produce smart composites. Therefore, this work aimed to investigate the performance of polypropylene (PP)/Jatobá Wood Powder (WP) composites compatibilized with ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber‐maleic anhydride (EPDM‐MA). The effect of distinct melt flow index (MFI) (PP H103 and PP H503) was also investigated. The composites were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry, mechanical properties (tensile, flexural, impact, and Shore D hardness), heat deflection temperature, Vicat softening temperature, water absorption and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Addition of EPDM‐MA, increased impact strength. The best performance was observed for the composition with 10% EPDM‐MA and PP with lower MFI (PP H503). EPDM‐MA also decreased the water absorption for both PP, most due to the chemical interactions among composite phases. SEM images suggest encapsulation of wood particles by EPDM‐MA, promoting better composites performance. Reported results are valuable for the recycling industry, as well as are economically and environmentally promising.

Production of Eco-Sustainable Materials: Compatibilizing Action in Poly (Lactic Acid)/High-Density Biopolyethylene Bioblends

“…However, due to the interaction deficiency in the polymer blends, immiscible mixtures are often obtained, exhibiting coarse morphology poorly distributed in the matrix, as also low interfacial adhesion between the phases. Therefore, compatibilization is necessary to modify the interfacial properties of these mixtures, leading to interfacial tension reduction and lower coalescence levels [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11].…”

Extraction of natural fibers of Catole coconut (Syagrus Cearensis): Application as reinforcing filler in polypropylene‐based composites

“…The crystallization temperature (T c ) of neat PP was 118.8 C, corroborating the values found in the literature. 13,63 The melting peak temperature (T m ) ca. 166 C represents the melting of the predominant α-phase.…”

“…The large and irregular voids are evidence of trapped air zones that out behavior and providing higher compatibility. 3,46,63 The evidence of encapsulation is seen in the many ruptured fibers (indicated by red arrows) present on the surface of the samples coupled with 10% and 15% PP-g-MA.…”

“…13 Fiber reinforcement (30 wt%) produced a compound with lower impact strength (37.7 J/m) than neat PP (a drop of 13.9%). The high fiber content may have reduced the energy absorption during crack propagation by impairing macromolecular chain mobility, 63,70,71 thereby decreasing the impact strength. Moreover, the weak interaction between the fibers and the matrix may have led to stress concentrations, contributing to crack initiation.…”

From Waste to Reuse: Manufacture of Ecological Composites Based on Biopolyethylene/wood Powder with PE-g-MA and Macaíba Oil

“…In the interval of 2 to 4 min there was a slight increase in the torque of the BioPE/WP/PE-g-MA composite compared to BioPE/WP, indicating a possible interaction between the compatibilizer PE-g-MA with the wood powder. It is believed that the maleic anhydride groups of PE-g-MA and the hydroxyl groups of wood powder have interacted [38], as shown in Figure 2 Macaiba oil is acting as a plasticizer in composites, increasing molecular mobility, reducing viscosity and equilibrium torque (10 min). In this case, it is suggested macaíba oil is acting as a processing aid for composites, improving the melt owing.…”