Composite from Polypropylene and Henna Fiber: Structural, Mechanical and Thermal Properties

This research is interested to produce a composite material based on thermoplastic polymer reinforced with natural fibers. Polypropylene composites were prepared using a lignocellulosic fibers named Henna fibers at different concentration (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 wt.%). Henna fibers were alkali treated to remove waxes and non cellulosic component. Fiber-matrix adhesion was assured by styrene-(ethylene-butene)-styrene triblock copolymer grafted with maleic anhydride (SEBS-g-MA). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), tensile and torsional tests were employed for composites with and without compatibilizer. Results show a clear improvement in mechanical properties from the use of alkali treated henna to neat and compatibilized polypropylene, a gain of 9% and 12% respectively in the Young's modulus, as a results of improved adhesion between fibers and matrix at the interface. Tensile strength curve shows a remarkable stabilization when the coupling agent was used.