Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study investigates the mechanical, thermal, and liquid resistance properties of injection-molded composites made from recycled polypropylene (rPP) reinforced with jute fillers. Maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene (MAPP) was used as a compatibilizer to enhance filler–matrix interfacial bonding. Tensile, flexural, and Charpy impact tests, along with density measurements, heat deflection temperature (HDT) tests, and resistance to short-duration liquid contact, were conducted to evaluate the composites. Results indicate that the addition of jute powder significantly improved stiffness (Young’s modulus increased up to 233%) and thermal stability (HDT increased to 147 °C for rPP/J40/MAPP) while reducing impact toughness due to the brittle nature of jute fillers. MAPP-modified composites demonstrated enhanced tensile and flexural strength compared to unmodified counterparts, with tensile strength improving by approximately 23% for rPP/J30/MAPP. The composites exhibited excellent liquid resistance, showing no visible changes after exposure to various automotive and household fluids.
Source: Journal of Composites Science
DOI: 10.3390/jcs9060255
Authors: Savana Othman Mohammed, Alwand Osman, Faranak Bazooyar, Else-Marie Malmek, Thomas Koch Ecoist, Nowshir Fatima, Mikael Skrifvars, Pooria Khalili
Institutions: University of Borås, Juteborg (Sweden)
Language: English
Subfield: Polymers and Plastics
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,172
OpenAlex ID: W4410623501