Introduction of reinforcing fillers in RPP matrix help to enhance the properties of the matrix. In this study, waste jute fibers called jute caddies have been used as the filler material to RPP and their properties have been studied. The composites have been prepared by solution impregnation method. A silane coupling agent has been used in two weights (2 and 6 wt%) to enhance the interaction between the non-polar PP and the polar jute fiber wastes. Treatment with 6% VTMO enhanced the mechanical properties significantly. Thermal stability was also enhanced after treatment with coupling agent. SEM investigations revealed the fiber/matrix bond at the interface.
Ray, D. and Sarkar, B.K. ( 2001). Characterization of Alkali Treated Jute Fibers for Physical and Mechanical Properties, J. Appl. Polym. Sci. , 80: 1013-1020.
2.
Ray, D., Sarkar, B.K., Rana, A.K. and Bose, N.R. ( 2001). The Mechanical Properties of Vinylester Resin Matrix Composites Reinforced with Alkali-Treated Jute Fibres, Composites Part A, 32: 119-127.
3.
Oksman, K., Wallstrom, L., Berglund, L.A. and Filho, R.D.T. ( 2002). Morphology and Mechanical Properties of Unidirectional Sisal-Epoxy Composites, Journal of Applied Polymer Science , 84(13): 2358-2365.
4.
Bledzki, A.K. and Gassan, J. (1999). Composites Reinforced with Cellulose Based Fibers, Progress in Polymer Science, 24(2): 221-274.
5.
McHenry, E. and Starchurski, Z.H. ( 2003). Composite Materials Based on Wood and Nylon Fiber , Composites Part A: Applied Science and Engineering, 34(2): 171-181.
6.
Bledzki, A.K. , Zhang, W. and Chate, A. (2003). Natural-Fiber-Reinforced Polyurethane Microfoams, Composite Science and Technology , 61(16): 2405-2411.
7.
Digabel, F. Le., Boquillon, N., Dole , P., Monties, B. and Averous, L. (2004). Properties of Thermoplastic Composites Based on Wheat-straw Lignocellulosic Fillers, J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 93: 428-436.
8.
Sahoo, S., Nakai, A., Kotaki, M., Ishiaku, U.S., Mohanty, A.K., Misra, M. and Hamada, H. ( 2007). Mechanical Properties and Durability of Jute Reinforced Thermosetting Composites, J. Biobased Materials and Bioenergy , 1: 427-436.
9.
Dieu, T.V., Phai, L.T., Ngoc, P.M., Tung, N.H., Thao, L.P. and Quang, L.H. ( 2004). Preparation of Polymer Composites Based on Polypropylene Reinforced by Jute Fibers, JSME International Journal, series A, 47(4): 547-550.
10.
Lindstrom, T. and Wagberg, L. (2002). An Overview of Some Possibilities to Modify Fibre Surfaces for Tailoring Composite Interfaces , In: Proceedings of the 23rd Risø International Symposium on Materials Science, Denmark, pp. 35-59.
11.
Maldas, D. and Kokta, B.V. ( 1995). Composite Molded Products based on Recycled Thermoplastics and Waste Cellulosics II Kenaf Fiber-Recycled PE Composites, J. Reinforced Plastics and Composites, 14: 458- 470.
12.
Khoo, T.S., Ratnam, M.M. and Abdul Khalil, H.P.S. ( 2007). Wood filler (WF)-recycled PP (RPP) Composite Pallet: Study of Static Deformation using FEA and Shadow Moire, J. Reinforced Plastics and Composites, 27: 1733-1744.
13.
Najafi, S.K. , Kiaefar, A. and Hamidina, E. (2007). Water Absorption Behaviour of Composites from Sawdust and Recycled Plastics , J. Reinforced Plastics and Composites, 26(3): 341-348.
14.
Choudhury, A. and Adhikari, B. (2007). Recycled Milk Pouch and Virgin LDPE-LLDPE Based Jute Fiber Composites, Polymer Composites , 78-88.
15.
Thi-Thu-Loan Doan, Brodowsky, H. and Mader, E. (2007). Jute Fibre/Polypropylene Composites II. Thermal, Hydrothermal and Dynamic Mechanical Behaviour, Comp . Sci. and Tech., 67: 2707-2714.
