Influence of Chemical Treatments of Sawdust Fibers on the Physical Properties of Their Reinforced Polypropylene Composites

In order to achieve superior composite properties, sawdust fibers (SDF) were chemically treated by NaOH, NaClO 2 , KMnO 4 , acetic anhydride and n-substituted methacrylamide. Composites of SDF and PP were fabricated by simple hot press molding method using various proportion (0, 10, 20 and 30 wt%) of raw and chemically treated SDF with respect of matrix weight in composites. The composites were characterized by means of tensile, Rockwell hardness, water absorption and thermal measurements. The tensile moduli of all types of composites were increased with the increase of fiber proportion, whereas the tensile strength, elongation at break and Rockwell hardness revealed inverse trend. Composites with 10 wt% fiber loading were exhibited higher tensile strength, Rockwell hardness and elongation at break than that of 20 and 30 wt% fiber loaded composites. Alkali treated, acetylated and nMA treated SDF-PP composites were exhibited significant improvement in tensile strength, water absorption and Rockwell hardness properties. Thermal stability of the composites have been assessed as well. The main degradation temperature of the SDF was shifted to higher after composite fabrication. Fiber treatments also showed positive impact on the thermal properties of composites.

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