Studies on Recyclable Nylon-reinforced PP Composites: Effect of Fiber Diameter

A commercial grade of polypropylene (PP) is reinforced with nylon-6 fibers of three diameters at levels up to 30 wt% PP. The addition of the fibers improve the mechanical properties such as tensile strength and flexural strength. The least diameter fibers give the maximum improvement in mechanical properties. Attempts are made to improve the interfacial adhesion between the fibers and the matrix by grafting the matrix with maleic anhydride in presence of styrene. The mechanical properties show significant improvements as a result of these modifications. The recyclability of these composites are also studied, the PP/nylon composites/blends obtained by recycling the composites also have better tensile properties.