Tensile and thermal properties of elateriospermum tapos seed shells filled recycled polypropylene eco-composites

Abstract

The effects of elateriospermum tapos seed shell (ETSS) and its chemical modification on tensile properties, morphology and thermal properties of recycled polypropylene (rPP) eco-composites were investigated. The rPP/ETSS eco-composites were prepared using Brabender EC-PLUS at 180°C temperature and rotor speed 50 rpm. Three types of chemical modification were used; maleic acid (MA), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and organosolv lignin (OSL). It was found that the addition of ETSS in rPP ecocomposites have decreased the tensile strength, elongation at break and degree of crystallinity of the eco-composites. The modulus of elasticity and thermal stability of eco-composites increased with increasing of ETSS content but the elongation at break was significantly dropped. Morphology study of eco-composites showed the poor interaction between ETSS filler and rPP matrix. The chemical modification of ETSS has increased the tensile and thermal properties of eco-composites. The tensile strength and modulus of elasticity of rPP/ETSS eco-composites with MA, PDMS and OSL were higher than unmodified eco-composites. The degree of crystallinity and thermal stability of modified eco-composites was also higher than unmodified eco-composites. The better interfacial interaction between modified ETSS and rPP has been proven by scanning electron microscope (SEM) studied. Spectra FTIR analysis has proven the changes of functional group of modified ETSS. The modified eco-composites with MA showed the highest tensile strength and thermal stability compared to the other modified eco-composites. However, the modified eco-composites with PDMS indicated highest modulus of elasticity and degree of crystallinity followed by modification with OSL and MA eco-composites.