Characterization and Properties of PP/NBRr/kenaf composites with epoxy resin compatibilizer

Abstract

In this research, kenaf fibre have been used as reinforcement for polypropylene (PP) and recycled acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBRr) composite. Epoxy resin (EP) as a compatibilizer was added to increase the performance of PP/NBRr/kenaf composites. The mechanical and chemical properties of PP/NBRr/kenaf and PP/NBRr/kenaf/EP composites were investigated. The composites were prepared by using heated two roll mill at temperature of 180 oC with speed of 60 rpm for 9 minutes. Then, the samples were compressed using a hot press at the same temperature to form 1mm sheet samples composites. Generally, the results obtained indicated that composites with EP showed a better tensile strength and tensile modulus compare to composites without EP. FTIR results showed the spectra of C≡N for NBRr at peak 2237.87cm-1 was lost result in interaction with composite. This occurrence is maybe observed due to the esterification of PP/EP compatibilizer with kenaf or PP/EP compatibilizer with NBRr. Lastly, the swelling test shows the lower water uptake of PP/NBRr/kenaf due to EP will prevent or destruct the capillary transport of water into the composite. The TGA analysis shows that the improvement of intermolecular forces of PP/NBRr with addition of EP in thermal degradation. EP compatibilizer composite has degradation temperature which is 500 ◦C same with without EP compatibilizer composite of thermal degradation. It can been seen that EP compatibilizer have a same maximum degradation temperature. This could be due to the strong interfacial bonding between PP/NBRr matrices and kenaf filler.