Effect of mercerization on the mechanical and thermal response of hybrid bagasse fiber/CaCO3 reinforced polypropylene composites. (July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Oladele, Isiaka Oluwole; Ibrahim, Ibrahim Oghie; Akinwekomi, Akeem Damilola; Talabi, Segun Isaac
• Is Part Of: Polymer testing. Volume 76(2019)
• Page Start: 192
• Page End: 198
• Publication Date: 2019-07
• Subjects: Mercerization -- Bagasse fiber -- Hybrid composites -- Polypropylene -- Mechanical properties -- Thermal analysis; Polymers -- Testing -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Tests -- Périodiques; 620.1920287
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2019.03.021
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0142-9418

Abstract

Abstract: This study evaluated the effect of sodium hydroxide mercerized bagasse fiber (BF) on the mechanical and thermal properties of polypropylene composites reinforced with hybrid BF/calcium carbonate (CaCO3 ). Samples were fabricated with a compression molding machine and characterized for tensile, flexural, and thermal properties. Hybrid composites with mercerized BF (HMC) exhibited improved mechanical properties than the unmercerized hybrid composite (UHC), single-component composite (SC) and control sample. Additionally, TGA/DTG analysis revealed that the HMC were more thermally stable in comparison with other samples. Crystallinity index of HMC was about 24% higher than UHC, as indicated by XRD analysis. SEM images showed good interfacial adhesion in the morphology of HMC compared to UHC, which contributed to the improved thermal and mechanical properties exhibited by HMC. These results indicated that mercerization treatment and reinforcement hybridization could be utilized for improving the thermal and mechanical responses of natural fiber reinforced polypropylene composites. Highlights: Polypropylene composites containing hybrid bagasse fiber (BF)/calcium carbonate are synthesized via compression molding. Improved interfacial and enhanced mechanical and thermal properties are realized with BF mercerized with sodium hydroxide. Hybrid reinforcements result in improved mechanical, thermal resistance and higher crystallinity in the composites. Hybridization and mercerization are beneficial in improving the properties of eco-friendly polypropylene composites.