Mechanical Properties of High Loading Luffa acutangula Fiber with Cloisite 15A and Polypropylene

• Published in: Advanced Materials Research Vol. 1134; pp. 178 - 184
• Main Authors: Umar Shaifudin, Siti Nurai'syah, Kamarun, Dzaraini, Engku Zawawi, Engku Zaharah, Seth, Nur Hikamah
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Zurich Trans Tech Publications Ltd 01.12.2015
• Subjects: Binders; Fibers; Maleic anhydride; Mechanical properties; Molding (process); Polypropylenes; Reinforcement; Thermoplastic resins; Tensile Strength; Mechanical Properties; Luffa acutangula; Polypropylene; Cloisite 15A
• ISBN: 9783038357346; 3038357340
• ISSN: 1022-6680; 1662-8985; 1662-8985
• DOI: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.1134.178

Matured luffa fibers can be used as reinforcing fillers for polymers to produce industrial products. Frequently, these fibers are incorporated in thermoplastics and thermosets binders at low loadings (1 – 40) wt % of total composition. In this project, high loadings of luffa fiber (50 to 70 wt %) were incorporated with polypropylene (PP), coupling agent maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAPP) and Cloisite 15A using extrusion for compounding. (C15A) at 5 wt % was added for reinforcement and to increase density of compounded materials for ease of processing during mixing. The compounded material was pelletized and the test pieces were prepared using compression moulding and shaped according to the standard. The effects of fiber loadings on the mechanical properties of the composites were determined.