Original Article
  • Manufacturing and Mechanical Properties of Sisal Fiber Reinforced Hybrid Composites
  • Zhi-peng Hui*, P. Sudhakara*, Yi-qi Wang*, Byung-sun Kim**, Jung-il Song*†
  • * Department of Mechanical Engineering, Changwon National University, Changwon 641-773, Korea *† Department of Mechanical Engineering, Changwon National University, Changwon 641-773, Korea Corresponding author (E-mail: jisong@changwon.ac.kr) ** Composites Materials Group, Korea Institute of Materials Science, Korea
  • Zhi-peng Hui*, P. Sudhakara*, Yi-qi Wang*, Byung-sun Kim**, Jung-il Song*†
Abstract
ABSTRACT: PLA/PP polymer blends in various ratios (PLA:PP = 9:1, 4:1, 3:1, and 1:1), and their composites (PLA:PP = 1:1) with sisal fiber (10, 15 and 20 wt%) were fabricated using MAPP as compatibilizer. The aim of the work was to reduce the cost of biodegradable composites as well as to improve the impact strength of PLA using PP, a relatively cheaper thermoplastic. The developed composites were characterized for their morphological and mechanical properties. The tensile strength and modulus of the blends were decreased with increasing PP content whereas the strain at break and impact strength are increased. The tensile strength, modulus and water absorption were increased for hybrid composites with increasing fiber content.

ABSTRACT: PLA/PP polymer blends in various ratios (PLA:PP = 9:1, 4:1, 3:1, and 1:1), and their composites (PLA:PP = 1:1) with sisal fiber (10, 15 and 20 wt%) were fabricated using MAPP as compatibilizer. The aim of the work was to reduce the cost of biodegradable composites as well as to improve the impact strength of PLA using PP, a relatively cheaper thermoplastic. The developed composites were characterized for their morphological and mechanical properties. The tensile strength and modulus of the blends were decreased with increasing PP content whereas the strain at break and impact strength are increased. The tensile strength, modulus and water absorption were increased for hybrid composites with increasing fiber content.

Keywords: hybrid composites, sisal fiber, PP, PLA, mechanical properties

This Article

  • 2013; 26(5): 273-278

    Published on Oct 31, 2013

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