Study Of Coir Fiber/Impact Polypropylene Copolymer Composites

Transport vehicle, as the lightweight materials and environmental protection requirements, people have to re-examine the traditional reinforcement. Now Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastics (GFRP) with superior heat resistance and high mechanical properties, but it is difficult to find suitable post-treatment. Then, the density of small, rich source of natural fiber as a reinforcing material of synthetic resin is necessary. Compared with glass fiber, natural fiber is small density, low cost and power consumption, no wear and tear on equipment, recyclable, harmless to the human body, beneficial to the environment, and many other advantages. Coir fiber is a low-cost, lightweight natural fiber and the density of coir fiber is the lowest in common.The coconut fiber/impact copolymer polypropylene (IPC) composite materials, was made by using the twin-screw extrusion granulation. Coir fiber was treated with alkali and the results showed that the higher concentration of alkali and the longer treating decreased the performance of composite materials. The mechanical properties of treated coir fiber/IPC composites are poorer than the untreated, which is commonly contrary to the results of other natural fiber composite materials. The compatibilizer MAH-g-PP improved the interface bonding, mechanical properties, heat resistance and hardness of composites. MAH-g-PP improved the interface bonding better with higher content of coir fiber. SEM observation showed that the fibers and the matrix are poor interface bonding withot MAH-g-PP.SEM observation showed that number of pits dcreased and the surface roughness increased after alkali treating. The alkali corroded off surface waxy layer of coir fiber. FTIR spectra of salt after coir fibers immersion in solution showed that the alkali treatment to remove the coconut fiber surface wax layer, primarily polycondensate acid and fat.DMA analysis results showed that the content of coir fiber increased storage modulus .Polarized light photo of the coconut fiber showed the role of nucleating, increasing the crystallization rate, crystallization temperature, crystallinity. DSC showed IPC-phase crystallization temperature, crystallization rate rise and reducing the supercooling degree.