The role of interface modification on thermal degradation and crystallization behavior of composites from commingled polypropylene fiber and banana fiber

• Published in: Polymer composites Vol. 31; no. 6; pp. 1113 - 1123
• Main Authors: Paul, Sherely Annie, Oommen, Charlie, Joseph, Kuruvilla, Mathew, Gem, Thomas, Sabu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 01-06-2010; Wiley; Blackwell Publishing Ltd
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Bananas; Composites; Crystallization; Exact sciences and technology; Fibers; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Polymer matrix composites; Polypropylenes; Technology of polymers; Thermal degradation; Short fiber; Propylene polymer; Crystallization; Synthetic fiber; Fiber reinforced material; Plant fiber; Crystallinity; Experimental study; Property processing relationship; Composite material; Thermal stability; Surface treatment; Compression molding; Thermal properties; Natural fiber; Olefin polymer; Activation energy; Thermal degradation
• ISSN: 0272-8397; 1548-0569
• DOI: 10.1002/pc.20901

The thermal degradation behavior of banana fiber and polypropylene/banana fiber composites has been studied by thermogravimetric analysis. Banana fiber was found to be decomposing in two stages, first one around 320°C and the second one around 450°C. For chemically treated banana fiber, the decomposition process has been at a higher temperature, indicating thermal stability for the treated fiber. Activation energies for thermal degradation were estimated using Coats and Redfern method. Calorific value of the banana fiber was measured using a constant volume isothermal bomb calorimeter. Crystallization studies exhibited an increase in the crystallization temperature and crystallinity of polypropylene upon the addition of banana fiber. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers