The tensile properties of chitosan filled polypropylene (PP) composites treated with acetic acid

Abstract

The effect of chemical modification on tensile properties of chitosan filled polypropylene (PP) composites as a function of filler loading was investigated. The chemical modification was conducted via acetylation of chitosan with acetic acid. Results showed that the tensile strength and elongation at break decreased with the increasing of filler content, however Young’s modulus increased. Chemical modification of chitosan is expected to increase tensile properties of PP/chitosan composites, and as a result exhibits that at a similar content the treated composites have higher values in tensile strength and Young’s modulus compared to untreated composites, but lower in elongation at break. FTIR spectra and SEM studies revealed that covalent bonding was occurred between chitosan and acetic acid, thus enhanced interfacial adhesion between filler and polymer matrix with less pulled out of filler.