Characterization and Properties of PP/NBRr/Kenaf composites with PPMAH compatibilizer

Abstract

In order to reduce the consumption, product based on natural fiber was introduced. For this project, kenaf was introduced as natural filler reinforcement with polypropylene (PP) and recycled acrylonitrile rubber (NBRr) as a matrix. By using PPMAH as a compatibilizer for PP/NBRr /kenaf composite, the mechanical and chemical properties have been improved as compared to PP/NBRr/kenaf without PPMAH. The aim of this research is to study the mechanical and chemical properties of the PP/NBRr/Kenaf. Besides, it is to evaluate the morphological properties of the PP/NBRr/Kenaf and the performance of PPMAH compatibilizer on PP/NBRr/Kenaf composites in comparison with control series. The effect of polypropylene maleic anhydride (PPMAH) on the morphology and tensile properties on polypropylene (PP) / recycled acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBRr) / kenaf composites has been studied. The composites were prepared through melt mixing at 180oC for 9 minutes using 15 rpm motor speed. The specimens were analyzed by using different testing techniques which is tensile test, and scanning electron machine (SEM). Result showed the percentage increment for the tensile strength and Young’s Modulus of the modified composites. Whilst for the elongation at break, the expected result is decreased for the decreasing of the elongation at break of modified composites compared to unmodified. The morphology result of specimens support the tensile properties and thesewhich indicated a better interaction between the filler and matrix with the presence of PPMAH as a compatibilizer.