Physicomechanical Properties of Chemically Treated Palm Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene Composites

Abstract

Palm fiber reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites were manufactured using a single extruder and an injection molding machine. Raw palm fiber was chemically treated with benzene diazonium salt to increase its compatibility with the polymer matrix. Both raw and treated palm was utilized and six levels of filler loading (10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 wt%) were used during composite manufacturing. Microstructural analysis (scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) and mechanical testing (tensile, flexural, impact, hardness) were conducted. Treated palm fiber reinforced composites showed better mechanical properties compared to the raw ones. Among all composites, 30% fiber-reinforced ones had the optimum set of mechanical properties.