Dependency of the Mechanical Properties of Sisal Fiber Reinforced Recycled Polypropylene Composites on Fiber Surface Treatment, Fiber Content and Nanoclay

The developments of new materials are increasing, especially in the automobile, aerospace, aviation and construction industries. The traditional materials are being replaced with nanocomposites materials due to its superior properties. In this research, chemically treated sisal fiber (SF) reinforced recycled polypropylene (rPP) nanocomposites were prepared. The SF was blended with the rPP at four different loading; 10, 20, 30 and 40 wt%, while nanoclay was added for 1, 3 and 5 wt%. Maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAPP) was used as a compatibilizer. Fiber surface modification led to enhanced interfacial adhesion between the SF and the rPP matrix. The results also showed that fiber modification, addition of MAPP and nanoclay inclusion, led to an improvement in the mechanical properties and reduced the rate of water absorption. With increased fiber loading, addition of MAPP and nanoclay; tensile strength, Young's modulus and impact resistance of the SF/rPP nanocomposites was observed to have increased.