Effect of Fiber Mixing and Nanoclay on the Mechanical Properties of Biodegradable Natural Fiber-Based Nanocomposites

Abstract

Combining two types of fibers may aid in improving the fundamental properties of organic fiber-reinforced hybrid polymeric materials. Biomaterials created from raw materials are gaining appeal in the industrial sector due to their high quality, as well as sustainability and environmental considerations. Natural fiber-reinforced hybrid nanocomposites were created in this work using a compression moulding technique with wood particles, hemp fiber, polypropylene, and montmorillonite nanoclay. Following that, the impacts of fiber mixture and vermiculite on mechanical and compostable qualities were studied. Both the coir and the hemp fibers were alkali-treated to minimize their hydrophilic nature before even being employed. Using universal tensile testing equipment, the mechanical characteristics of the prepared composites were investigated and found to be improved following fiber blending and nanoparticle inclusion. The maximum strength was occurred at the combinations like 10 wt. % of wood particle, hemp, nanoclay, and 70% of polypropylene matrix. Scanning electron microscopy showed that nanoclay significantly increased the adherence and interoperability between fiber and the polymer matrices. The good biocompatibility and water absorption capabilities of the nanocomposite were increased by mixing fibers, but nanoparticle additions seemed to have the opposite impact.