Study of mechanical properties of a composite-based plant fibre of the palm and thermoplastic matrices (PP)

Abstract

The use of natural fibres in the development of composite materials is a sector in full expansion. These fibres were used for their low cost, availability and renewable character. The fibres of the palm (palm tree) were used as reinforcement in polypropylene. The date palm fibres have some potential because of their ecological and economic interest. Both unmodified and compatibilised fibres are used. Compatibilisation was carried out with the use of maleic anhydride copolymers. The morphology and mechanical properties were characterised by scanning electron microscopy and tensile tests. The influence of fibre content on mechanical properties of composite polypropylene/date palm has been evaluated and demonstrated that the maximum stress and elongation decreases with increasing fibre content, on the contrary, they notice an increase of the tensile modulus, but after the improvement of fibres, the maximum stress increase significantly up to 25% weight.