Effect of compatibilizer on mechanical properties of chemically treated coir/polypropylene composite

Abstract

Composites of NaOH treated coir fibre and maleic anhydride functionalized polypropylene (MAHPP) with different formulations have been made by compression molding technique and the effect of compatibiliser on mechanical strength, flexural strength, and impact properties of the composites are measured and then compared with theoretically calculated values. It is observed that the tensile strength, tensile modulus, Izod impact strength and flexural strength of surface treated and MAPP coupling composite properties are enhanced significantly than the untreated one. This is due to better adhesion between fibre and matrix. This is also confirmed by SEM, interfacial shear strength or fibre pull-out tests and trans crystalline behavior of the composites constituents in the melt form.