Optimization of Natural Functional Fillers created from bio-waste in Polymeric Composites using Coconut Shell Powder and MAPP SCONA

摘要

Interfacial bonding between natural fillers such as coconut shell powder (CSP) and traditional polyolefins calls for compatibility and optimization to achieve helpful mechanical properties in compounding and injection molding applications. Compatibilizers work to strengthen interfacial bonding, and maleic anhydride is a common compatibilizer used with natural fillers. Different maleic anhydrides available behave differently in natural composite systems. The comparison is between a solid phase grafted maleic anhydride polypropylene (BYK SCONA 8112), and melt grafted maleic anhydride polypropylene, which is an older technology in the market place. Both technologies performed similarly when comparing impact properties, however, the solid phase grafted MAPP showed an improvement in tensile properties and more so when comparing flexural properties. Using only 0.5wt% solid phase grafted MAPP showed as much as a 9.5% and 6.5% improvement in flexural modulus and flexural strength, respectively, over the flexural modulus and flexural strength achieved with 2.0wt% melt grafted MAPP. Overall, the findings show that less solid phase grafted MAPP can be used to achieve the same or better properties than melt grafted MAPP.