Fabrication and Properties of Polypropylene and Kenaf Fiber Composite

The effect polypropylene maleic anhydride (PPMAH) as a compatibilizer in mixing of polypropylene (PP) with kenaf fiber (KP) has been studied. Seven (7) different PP/KF composites ratio (100/0, 95/5, 90/10, 85/15, 80/20, 75/25 and 70/30) where compatibilizer use for PP/KF composite with fixed 3 wt% of maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene were carried out. In this project, all compound preparation was done by using a heated two-roll mill at a temperature of 180 °C for 7 minutes total of the mixing process. Then, the mixture was moulded by using a hot press machine at a temperature of 180 °C for a total 12 minutes to form 1 mm sheet and then cut into dumbbell shape. This sample was tested for mechanical properties include tensile strength, young modulus and elongation at break and morphology of the fracture surface of PP/KF composites. The result show PP/KF composite with compatibilizer has a higher tensile strength and young modulus compare to uncompatibilizer PP/KF composite. The adhesion between fiber and matrix has improved with addition of PPMAH compatibilizer. It make the PP/KF composite increase the stiffness and tensile strength. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study of tensile fracture surfaces of the PP/KF composites also indicates improved adhesion of kenaf fiber with polypropylene matrix with the presence of PPMAH compatibilizer. (paper)