Alfa fiber/polypropylene composites: Influence of fiber extraction method and chemical treatments

Khaled Labidi, Zhi Cao, Montassar Zrida, Alan Murphy, Ahmed Hichem Hamzaoui, Declan M. Devine

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Alfa fiber/polypropylene composites were manufactured using twin-screw extrusion. Fibers were extracted using alkaline and steam explosion methods. Three chemical treatments were also applied to the alkaline-extracted fibers: stearic acid (SA), and potassium permanganate dissolved in water (KW) and in acetone (KA). Finally, thermal annealing was applied to the composites. The results indicate that composites with steam-exploded fibers had a significantly higher melt flow index than composites with alkaline-extracted fibers. Moreover, the incorporation of fibers into the matrix increased the Young's modulus, where the optimum results were obtained utilizing the alkaline-extracted fibers. Both extraction methods also significantly decreased the water uptake, especially the steam explosion. The three chemical treatments increased the melt flow index and conversely decreased the tensile strength and Young's modulus. In addition, KW treatment decreased the water uptake. Finally, thermal annealing increased the tensile strength and Young's modulus of composites with SA-treated fibers.

Original languageEnglish
Article number47392
JournalJournal of Applied Polymer Science
Volume136
Issue number18
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 10 May 2019

Keywords

  • cellulose and other wood products
  • composites
  • extrusion
  • mechanical properties
  • thermoplastics

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