Dynamic mechanical analysis of novel composites from commingled polypropylene fiber and banana fiber

Polypropylene (PP)/banana fiber (BF) composites were fabricated from PP fiber and short BF by novel commingling method. The dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) of the composites was performed with reference to BF loading and fiber surface treatments. By the incorporation of BF into the PP matrix, the...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Polymer engineering and science 2010-02, Vol.50 (2), p.384-395
Main Authors: Paul, Sherely Annie, Sinturel, Christoph, Joseph, Kuruvilla, Mathew, G.D. Gem, Pothan, Laly A., Thomas, Sabu
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Bananas
Chemical engineering
Composite materials
Composites
Composition
Dynamic testing
Exact sciences and technology
Fibers
Forms of application and semi-finished materials
Mechanical properties
Mechanics
Methods
Polymer industry, paints, wood
Polypropylene
Polypropylene fibers
Technology of polymers
Testing
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Summary:Polypropylene (PP)/banana fiber (BF) composites were fabricated from PP fiber and short BF by novel commingling method. The dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) of the composites was performed with reference to BF loading and fiber surface treatments. By the incorporation of BF into the PP matrix, the storage modulus and loss modulus have been found to increase, whereas damping factor has been found to decrease. Glass transition temperature was found to increase with increase in BF loading. The viscoelastic properties of the composites were also found to depend on fiber surface treatments. The activation energy of the composites for the glass transition has been found to be increased by the increase in BF loading. Surface treatment of the BF further increased the activation energy of the composites, indicating a stronger interface for treated fiber composites. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) photographs of the BF showed the physical changes induced by the surface treatments. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to ascertain the existence of the type of interfacial bonds. The use of theoretical equations to predict the storage modulus has also been discussed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
ISSN:0032-3888
1548-2634
DOI:10.1002/pen.21522