Effect of compatibilizer on morphological, thermal and mechanical properties of Starch-Grafted-Polypropylene/Kenaf fibers composites

Starch-grafted-polypropylene (starch-g-PP)/kenaf fibres composites were prepared by melt compounding and compression molding. Polypropylene-grafted-maleic anhydrides (MAgPP) were added at different weight contents (1, 3 and 5 wt. %) as compatibilizer. The morphological, thermal and mechanical properties of the composites were characterized using thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, tensile and flexural test. The results indicated that mechanical properties of the composites were improved by addition of compatibilizer. From TGA, the thermal stability of the composites with MAgPP was improved compared with the composites without MAgPP. Finally, scanning electron microscopy of fractured surface revealed better adhesion between the fibers and matrix with presence of compatibilizer. (paper)