The effect of maleic anhydride modified polypropylene on the mechanical properties of feather fiber, kraft pulp, polypropylene composites

Composites made of feather fiber (Ff), kraft pulp fiber (Pf), polypropylene (PP), and maleic anhydride modified polypropylene (MaPP) were tested in tension and three-point bend tests. Composite panels were compression molded from multiple plies of nonwoven, fabric-like prepreg manufactured with wetlay papermaking equipment. Composites containing all four materials were manufactured with MaPP substitutions for PP of 0-10 wt % at 2 wt % increments. The best mechanical properties were observed with a substitution of 8 wt % MaPP. Composites containing either Pf or Ff were manufactured with MaPP substitutions for PP of 0, 4, and 8 wt %; mechanical properties improved with increases in MaPP content. The improvements in mechanical properties were attributed to fiber/matrix interface improvement by the addition of MaPP. Scanning electron microscopy revealed evidence of improved interfacial bonding on the tensile fracture surfaces. (C) 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.