Mechanical and Thermal Characterization of Jute Fabric-Reinforced Polypropylene Composites: Effect of Maleic Anhydride

ABSTRACT

The growing interest in eco-friendly materials motivates the use of natural fibers in composites. This study investigated the influence of jute fabric layer reinforcement on the mechanical and thermal properties of polypropylene (PP) modified with 20% and 30% weight contents of maleic anhydride (MAPP). Results showed improved mechanical properties, especially for the composite with 2 layer jute fabrics and 30% of MAPP, which had an increase of about 100% in tensile and 45% in flexural strength. This composite also presented advantageous thermal properties for processing. Statistical analyses of mechanical properties revealed a significant interaction between jute and MAPP, leading to improved fiber/matrix adhesion.

摘要

对环保材料的日益增长的兴趣促使了天然纤维在复合材料中的应用. 研究了黄麻织物层增强对马来酸酐（MAPP）含量分别为20%和30%的改性聚丙烯（PP）力学性能和热性能的影响. 结果表明，复合材料的力学性能得到了改善，特别是2层黄麻织物和30%的MAPP复合材料，拉伸强度和弯曲强度分别提高了100%和45%. 该复合材料还具有良好的热加工性能. 力学性能的统计分析表明，黄麻和MAPP之间存在显著的相互作用，从而改善了纤维/基体的粘附性.

KEYWORDS:

• Polypropylene
• jute fibers
• composites
• mechanical analysis
• thermal analysis
• eco-friendly material

关键词:

• 聚丙烯
• 黄麻纤维
• 复合材料
• 力学分析
• 热分析
• 环保材料

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES) [funding code 001 and Grant 88887.464432/2019-00], and São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) [Grant 06/60885-2] for financial support, and Chemtura for the supply of material.

Declaration of interest

The authors are the only ones responsible for the content and writing of the article, reporting no conflicts of interest.