Mechanical properties of polypropylene/kenaf composites filled montmorillonite

Abstract

The effect of montmorillonite as additive on the mechanical properties of polypropylene/kenaf composites has been investigated. The polypropylene/kenaf composites filled montmorillonite were prepared by using a mixer and hot press at temperature 180°C. Polypropylene was filled with kenaf at various loading at 0, 10, 20 and 30% and 5 % of montmorillonite. Tensile test for the composites was carried out according to ASTM D638 using Instron Tensile Model 5569. From the tensile results, it shows that the tensile strength, Young’s modulus and elongation at break were increased with increasing of filler loading. The presence of montmorillonite also increased the tensile properties of the composites. The increasing of tensile properties with the addition of kenaf and montmorillonite within the polypropylene matrix, leading to an efficient stress transfer from matrix to filler and additives. The incorporation of additive of montmorillonite in appropriate amount in the fabrication of polypropylene and kenaf will increase the mechanical properties of this composite.