Polypropylene/abaca fiber eco-composites: Influence of bio-waste additive on flame retardancy and mechanical properties

This research focused on the fabrication of flame-retardant green composites by utilizing inexpensive bio-waste eggshell powder (ESP) as a flame-retardant additive to polypropylene (PP)/abaca fibers (AF) composites (AF/ESP-PP). The optimization of AF reinforcement in composites examines various wt% (5-20) of fibers in the light of mechanical properties. Fifteen weight percentage of AF reinforcement showing the highest tensile (26 MPa) and flexural (46 MPa) strength compared to the remaining composites. Spectral (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy) and micro (scanning electron microscope) analysis support the improvement of mechanical strength of the composites in connection with the interaction between AF with PP. Besides, different wt% (2, 4, 6, and 8) of ESP were incorporated into the AF/PP composites and examine the thermal and flame-retardant properties by thermogravimetric analysis, horizontal burn test, and microcalorimetry, respectively. An improvement in thermal stability 9.82 wt% at 700 degrees C, horizontal burn test results and decrement in peak heat release rate to 947 W/g.

Automated summary

This research focuses on fabricating flame-retardant green composites by using eggshell powder as an additive, optimizing the reinforcement of abaca fibers in the composites, and examining the thermal and flame-retardant properties of the composites with different percentages of eggshell powder.