Fabrication and interfacial modification of Nypa Fruticans husk (NFH)/ recycled plastics composites materials

Abstract

The effect of Nypa Fruticans husk (NFH) content and its chemical modification with 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (3-APE) on the tensile properties, morphological and FTIR analysis of rPP/rHDPE/NFH composites were investigated. The results showed that as the FH content increased, the tensile strength and elongation at break decreased. Meanwhile, tensile modulus increased with increasing NFH content. Besides that, the SEM micrograph of pure rPP/rHDPE showed a smooth and homogeneous surface with matrix tearing. Additionally, SEM micrographs showed that the addition of NFH content from 10 wt% to 20 wt% attributed to the rougher surface morphology to the composites. On the other hand, the tensile strength and tensile modulus of the treated rPP/rHDPE/NFH composites with 3-APE were higher than the untreated rPP/rHDPE/NFH composites. However, the elongation at break for treated composites is lower compared to the untreated composites. Furthermore, 3-APE had enhanced the wettability and interfacial interaction, between rPP/rHDPE matrix and NFH filler, as proven by the morphological study. Also, the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) results showed the changes of functional group of untreated and treated composites.