Effect of glass fiber hybridization on properties of sisal fiber-polypropylene composites

Natural fiber reinforced polymer composites became more attractive due to their light weight, high specific strength, and environmental concern. However, some limitations such as low modulus, poor moisture resistance were reported. This study aimed to investigate the effect of glass fiber hybridization on the physical properties of sisal-polypropylene composites. Polypropylene grafted with maleic anhydride (PP-g-MA) was used as a compatibilizer to enhance the compatibility between the fibers and polypropylene. Incorporating glass fiber into the sisal-polypropyl en e composites enhanced tensile, flexural, and impact strength without having significant effect on tensile and flexural moduli. In addition, adding glass fiber improved thermal properties and water resistance of the composites. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.