The behavior of compatibility of Ap-g-PHMA to impact polypropylene/kenaf fibres composites

Abstract

In this research, the behavior of poly(hexyl methacrylate (PHMA) grafted to Amylopectin (Ap-g-PHMA) as a compatibilizer on isotactic polypropylene (iPP)/kenaf fibres composites was studied. In order to improve interfacial interaction between hydrophilic kenaf fibre and hydrophobic matrix polypropylene (PP), Ap-g-PHMA is used as a compatibilizer. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and mechanical testing were used for the composite characterization. The properties of binary and ternary systems have been analysed as a function of both fibre and compatibilizer content. All compatibilizer systems showed enhanced fibre dispersion and interfacial adhesion. It was found that using Ap-g-PHMA has a significant effect on composite properties. Fibre loading at 40% ratio showed very good effect regarding mechanical properties with 1% compatible agent. It is concluded, that incorporation of coupling agent had shown a better result than that of without it at a certain level of fibre loading.