Dynamic Mechanical and Thermal Behavior Analysis of Composites Based on Polypropylene Recycled with Vegetal Leaves

Abstract

Thermal properties, as well as the dynamic mechanical behavior of recycled polypropylene composites with vegetal leaves contents, were studied by thermal analysis techniques: TG/DTG, DTA, and DMA. Composites made of polypropylene recycled with 1%, 5%, 10%, and 15% ww−1 vegetal leaves were prepared using the melt blending technique. The results revealed that the viscoelastic properties were influenced by fiber content; however, the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the composite did not show significant changes to the fiber content. In the end, the composite with 5% of palm leaves and PP recycled presented the most promising results since this one kept the solid characteristic on the dynamic mechanical properties. This work presents an environmental friendly alternative to manage natural waste, also being a form of reducing polymeric materials waste.