Characterization and properties of PP/NBR/EFB composites with PPMAH compatibilizer
Abstract
The Empty fruit bunch (EFB) has become the solid waste problem in Malaysia’s
agricultural sector abundantly. Besides, poor interfacial adhesion between natural
reinforcing filler and polymer mater is the most vital issue associate with composted. In
this research, EFB powder has been used as reinforcement for polypropylene (PP) and
acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) matrices. The surface modification using Maleic graft polypropylene (PPMAH) was carried out to modify the fibre properties. The mechanical and thermal properties of PP/NBR/EFB composites as well as PPMAH
compatibilizer on EFB filler performance on PP/NBR/EFB composite were investigated. The composite were prepared by using heated two roll mill at temperature of 180 oC with speed 15 rmp for 11 minute and mixed sample were then compressed
using a hot press at same temperature to form 1mm sheet sample composite. Generally,
the result obtained indicated that composite PPMAH compatibilizer EFB showed a
better tensile strength, Young Modulus , degradation temperature , thermal stability and
crystallinity than composite with uncompatibilizer EFB . Micrographs of tensile
fractured surface showed that composite with PPMAH compatibilizer EFB have good
attachment of EFB filler on matrix. FTIR result showed the presence of PPMAH
compatibilizer with Acetic anhydride due to the improved intensity of OH group and the
followed by using chemical bonding between C-O-C and EFB filler, PPMAH
compatibilizer following by using acetic anhydride PP/NBR/EFB composite improved
the tensile properties and thermal properties which can be proven and supported by
using morphology studies and FTIR analysis.