The Compatibilizing Effect of Coupling Agent on the Morphological Properties of Banana Fibre as Reinforcement for Polymer Matrix Composites

Chang, Siang Yee (2008) The Compatibilizing Effect of Coupling Agent on the Morphological Properties of Banana Fibre as Reinforcement for Polymer Matrix Composites. Project Report. UTeM, Melaka, Malaysia. (Submitted)

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Abstract

The interest in using natural fibres as reinforcement in polymer matrix composites has increased dramatically during the last few years in regard to the environmental aspect and cost-effectiveness. This report aims in studying the rheological and morphological properties of banana fibre reinforced polypropylene (PP/BF) composite as a function of fibre loading and coupling agent concentration, followed by drawing a relationship of the two parameters on the rheological-morphological properties of PP/BF composite. To conduct this research, the primary materials involved were banana fibre as the reinforcement, polypropylene (PP) as the matrix and silane as the coupling agent used. Prior to composite processing, banana fibre processing was conducted to extract banana fibres from the pseudo-stem of a mature banana (Musacea) plant. Fibres with length of less than 1mm were then mixed with silane at concentration of 0, 0.5, 1 and 2wt% at fibre loading of 2, 5 and 10wt%. The mixes were later subjected to rheological testing and morphological analysis. The rheological result showed that all system exhibited pseudoplasticity and incorporation of treated fibres consequent enhanced viscosity due to improved interfacial adhesion at fibre-matrix interface. However, it is observed that silane concentration of 2wt% does not yield further enhancement in the rheological properties of the composite when compared to that of 1wt%. In the aspect of morphology, the compatibilizing effect of silane is evaluated in terms of fibre orientation and dispersion. Effect of silane concentration on the morphology does not seem to be pronounced as compared to the effect of fibre loading. Increase in fibre loading causes low shear rate and the fibre concentrated at the periphery; and vice versa. However, it is found that PP/BF 10wt% with 1wt% of silane has the most promising compatibilizing effect.

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