Date Palm Tree Fiber as Polymeric Matrix Reinforcement, DPF-Polypropylene Composite Characterization

Abstract

Recently, the interest has increased to recycle things after use. In addition, the pressure of the environment defence organizations has increased in the same direction. Accordingly, the composite industry has begun investigating the possibility of increasing the proportion of recycled or biodegradable composites. This leaded to search about environment eco-friendly reinforcement and resins systems while providing the same performance as their man made counterparts. Natural fibers offer the possibility to play the role of the reinforcing material. In this study, we mix the 25% untreated date palm tree fibers with 75% polypropylene using double screw extruder. Comparison between plane polypropylene and 25 % raw date palm fiber was done. Tensile test and water absorption test were done upon plain polypropylene and 25% raw date palm fiber specimens. Tensile strength of reinforced polypropylene was about 20% lower than plain polypropylene. In the other hand, modulus of elasticity of composite showed an increase of about 30% compared to plane polypropylene. Water absorption was less sound in deterioration of the composite.