Thermal and mechanical properties of post-consumer polypropylene composites reinforced with cellulose fibers

Abstract

The thermal and mechanical properties of composite recycled and virgin of polypropylene were investigated, reinforced with up to 40% by weight of cellulose fibers (FC), as well as the morphology of the polymer matrix. To obtain the data, techniques for Dynamic-Mechanical Thermal Analysis (DMTA) were used, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The results showed that recycled polypropylene composites with a percentage of 30% FC and virgin polypropylene composites with a percentage of 20% FC had a significant increase in storage modulus values (E') and degree of crystallinity (χc), indicating a higher mechanical strength in these composites. Since the samples with 40% FC, there was a decrease in the stiffness of the material. These results were confirmed by the SEM, where noted agglomeration of the cellulose fibers in the matrix. There was no change in the glass transition temperature (Tg) and crystalline melting temperature (Tm) of the produced composite.

Keywords:
polypropylene composite; cellulose fibers; post consumer composite