Thermal post-processing of bagasse fiber reinforced polypropylene composites

The current experimental investigation is focused on the thermal post-processing of bagasse fibers based polypropylene composites. Bagasse fiber-based polypropylene composite with different fiber weight fractions (10, 20 and 30%) have been fabricated using extrusion injection molding process. Subsequently, the specimens have been exposed to temperature below their softening point for different time duration. The effect of thermal post-processing has been compared with neat polypropylene specimens subjected to similar conditions. A significant increase in mechanical as well as crystalline properties has been observed in neat polypropylene and composite specimens, but the increment reduces with an increase in fiber reinforcement as well as time. This may be attributed to the poor thermal conductivity of natural fibers. The fracture behaviour is analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, which also confirms the enhanced interfacial adhesion between fibers and matrix after exposure of the composite specimens to elevated temperature.

Automated summary

The thermal post-processing significantly enhances the mechanical and crystalline properties of both neat polypropylene and composite specimens. However, the increment decreases with an increase in fiber reinforcement and processing time, likely due to the poor thermal conductivity of natural fibers. Improved interfacial adhesion between fibers and matrix after exposure to elevated temperatures was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy.