Study on effect of different fiber loadings on properties of seaweed/ polypropylene blend composite

Abstract

Biocomposites are becoming more popular because they are renewable, low in cost, biodegradable, and completely or partially recyclable. Researchers have come up with new manufacturing trends for composites to reduce the destruction of ecosystems by utilizing natural fibers as reinforcement in polymer composites. In this research, the biocomposites were produced by using polypropylene (PP) as matrix and seaweed (SW) as reinforcement. These composites were prepared by extrusion and hot pressing at a temperature of 210°C and a pressure of 750 psi for 20 minutes. The SW/PP blend composite with three different ratios was characterized for their mechanical, physical and thermal properties. The incorporation of SW from 10 to 30 wt% has significantly reduced the mechanical properties of the composite. SW10 PP90 composite showed the best overall mechanical performance of the composites prepared. This is due to the poor interfacial adhesion and bonding between SW and PP. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to reveal the interfacial adhesion and bonding between the fibers and PP matrix. Water absorption tests of the different fiber loadings of composites were also performed, revealing a substantial promotion of water uptake. Melt flow rate of PP showed increment with the addition of SW. From the thermal analysis, it can be inferred that the thermal stability of the composites was enhanced with the addition of SW. Overall, the incorporation of SW into PP is proven to improve the thermal properties of SW/PP blend composite but reduces its mechanical and physical properties.