Development of biocomposite from recycled polypropylene obtained from end-of-life car bumper: Evaluation of mechanical, thermal & morphological properties

摘要

Polypropylene (PP) is one of the most widely used commodity thermoplastic in automobiles because of its high cost-performance, outstanding mold-ability and reasonably high mechanical properties. Increased political, public, and environmental awareness has been the prime focus of many researchers in the past few decades to substitute recycled material in many commercial applications [1]. Recycling is a way to expand the life of a polymer through limitation of waste generation and preservation of non-renewable resources, thus, recycling is a step towards greener and sustainable alternative. Recycled polymer is designated as green material by France automotive constructor [2]. Because of uneven and low mechanical properties of recycled polymer it is not usually in the automotive industry their value may improve by reinforcing with natural fiber. In this study the role of natural fiber as a reinforcement for recycled polypropylene is evaluated and influence of the reinforcement on mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of composites were investigated. The surface of sisal fiber was modified with sodium hydroxide solution further, to improve reactive compatibility between fiber and matrix. MA-g-PP is also used as a compatibilizer.