The influence of natural fiber reinforcement on the mechanical properties of polyolefin-based hybrid composites

Abstract

In this study, effects of natural fiber reinforcement on mechanicalproperties of polyolefin based hybrid composites widely used differentindustrial areas were investigated. In this context, jute - PP compositeshaving different jute ratios are produced in twin screw extruder on firststage of production. In the second stage, the films are produced at 450µm thickness of PP material with different jute ratios are placedbetween HDPE (S 0464) plates with a thickness of 1 mm and are pressedunder a pressure of 8.163 bar and temperature of 190 °C andconsequently hybrid polyolefin composite sheets are obtained. Theimprovement of mechanical strength of hybrid composite material isrealized 8.6 % ratio as 18.41 MPa in 5% jute reinforced hybridcomposite. As a result of FTIR characterization, it is observed that theinterface agents affecting the mechanical strength positively aresignificant. When SEM analysis of fracture surfaces formed after tensiletest is performed, it is determined that an effective interface is formedbetween the fiber and the polymer, wheras the fibers that changedirection due to production methods adversely affected the mechanicalstrength.