Title
Effect of alfa fiber treatment and MAPP compatibilization on thermal and mechanical properties of polypropylene/alfa fiber composites
Authors
NOURA HAMOUR AMAR BOUKERROU ALAIN BOURMAUD HOCINE DJIDJELLI and YVES GROHENS

Received October 29, 2014
Published Volume 50 Issue 9-10 October-December
Keywords alfa, interfacial adhesion, composites, polypropylene, mechanical properties

Abstract
This study investigates the behavior of a polypropylene (PP) thermoplastic reinforced with different contents of alfa fiber (10 and 20 wt%). Structural, thermal and tensile test analyses were carried out. The dynamic thermo-mechanical behavior was observed by DMA, and the vibration test was conducted as well. Two types of treatments were carried out on these composites, including the modification of alfa fiber with acetic anhydride and the addition of a compatibilizer (5 wt%). The results obtained showed the incorporation of the treated and untreated alfa fiber in the matrix improved the mechanical properties, as determined by three techniques. As for the thermal properties, apart from the onset decomposition temperature, which decreased with the addition of treated and untreated alfa fibers, it was noted that the maximum rate of decomposition decreased, thus the thermal stability improved.