Effect of PPMAH on Polypropelene (PP)/ Recycled Acrylonitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBRr)/ Palm Press Fiber (PPF)

Abstract

In this project, thermoplastic composite of Polypropelene(PP)/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Rubber(NBRr)/ Palm Press Fiber(PPF) was investigated. NBRr and PPF were grind using the grinding machine and were sieved to the size of 150 μm to 180 μm. All the samples were arranged according to the ratio and were mixed using the heated two roll mill at the temperature of 180 ºC and speed of 15 rpm. The composites properties were enhanced by adding PPMAH as a compatibilizer. Mechanical and thermal properties of the composites improved. Such morphology led to higher tensile properties since composites showed more matrix tearing when stress is applied to the composite. SEM micrograph showed a better dispersion of filler and less pull out of filler from composite with PPMAH compared to composite without PPMAH. This is due to the presence of PPMAH that enhanced the adhesion between PP/NBRr matrix. The adding of PPMAH increased the hydrophobic characteristic of PPF and improves its adhesion with non-polar PP/NBRr matrixes. Overall, the results showed that composites have highest tensile properties.