Degradation and flammability behavior of PP/banana and glass fiber-based hybrid composites

Hybrid composites of polypropylene (PP) reinforced with short banana and glass fiber were fabricated using melt-blending technique followed by injection molding. Maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAPP) has been used as a coupling agent to promote the interfacial adhesion between the fibers and the PP matrix. The degradation behavior in the composites and hybrid composites were studied employing FTIR spectroscopy. Test results indicated an increase in the carbonyl and hydroxyl regions increase with the incorporation of fibers within the PP matrix. Further, BFPP composites exhibited higher degradation tendency as compared with the virgin polymer as well as the hybrid composites. Extent of biodegradation in the irradiated samples showed increased weight loss in the BFPP samples thus revealing effective interfacial adhesion upon hybridization with glass fibers. Horizontal rate of burning test indicated 50% reduction in rate of burning in BFPP and BGPP composites with the incorporation of Mg(OH)(2) flame retardant. Limiting oxygen index tests also showed more consumption of oxygen for combustion in case of BGPP hybrid composites indicating improved flame retardant characteristics.