Factorial study of material and process parameters on the mechanical properties of extruded kenaf fibre/polypropylene composite sheets

Thin kenaf/polypropylene (PP) composite sheets were manufactured via extrusion. The effects of kenaf and maleated PP (MAPP) proportions, fibre length, PP melt flow index (MFI) and die temperature on tensile, flexural, in-plane and out-of-plane shear properties were analysed by conducting experiments...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Composites. Part A, Applied science and manufacturing Applied science and manufacturing, 2014-06, Vol.61, p.91-107
Main Authors: Sallih, Nabihah, Lescher, Peter, Bhattacharyya, Debes
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
A. Discontinuous reinforcement
A. Thermoplastic resin
Applied sciences
B. Mechanical properties
Composites
E. Extrusion
Exact sciences and technology
Forms of application and semi-finished materials
Polymer industry, paints, wood
Technology of polymers
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Summary:Thin kenaf/polypropylene (PP) composite sheets were manufactured via extrusion. The effects of kenaf and maleated PP (MAPP) proportions, fibre length, PP melt flow index (MFI) and die temperature on tensile, flexural, in-plane and out-of-plane shear properties were analysed by conducting experiments through ‘design of experiments’ methodology. Higher kenaf content and lower die/barrel temperatures resulted in composite sheets with higher average mechanical properties in various modes of testing. Matrix MFI appeared to significantly affect all mechanical properties. It is interesting to note that the properties of the very short-fibre composites produced are comparable to those reinforced with longer discontinuous fibres and long-fibre mats.
ISSN:1359-835X
1878-5840
DOI:10.1016/j.compositesa.2014.02.014