From Wood Rosin to a Green Compatibilizer: Enhancing the Performance of Natural Fiber/Polypropylene Composites

Abstract

In this study, we investigate whether fortified rosin with maleic anhydride (FRMA), synthesized from renewable wood rosin, can effectively compatibilize polypropylene/natural fiber (PP/NF) composites. The morphology, thermal stability, mechanical, chemical, and physical properties of the prepared composites were tested using several characterization methods. Thermal results revealed that the degree of crystallinity (Xc) of the PP/NF composite improved by a 2% increase with the addition of FRMA. HDT (heat deflection temperature) analysis demonstrated that the HDT of PP/NF composites increased (about 12%) to 116.4οC when FRMA was added, compared with the composites without FRMA content. Moreover, the presence of FRMA in composites with 20 wt. % and 30 wt. % NF filler ratios increased the flexural strengths by 8% and 6%, respectively. The highest flexural strength was found in the 77PP/20NF/3FRMA composite as 30.4 MPa. Similarly, the presence of FRMA increased the hydrophobicity in composites with 20 wt. % and 30 wt. % NF filler ratios. Based on the findings, FRMA synthesized in this study could be used as a green compatibilizer in different industrial fields for the preparation of immiscible polymer blends. Furthermore, this study highlighted the potential of wood rosin beyond its conventional applications.