Polypropylene/abaca fiber eco‐composites: Influence of bio‐waste additive on flame retardancy and mechanical properties

• Published in: Polymer composites Vol. 42; no. 3; pp. 1356 - 1370
• Main Authors: Mai Nguyen Tran, Thanh, M. N., Prabhakar, Lee, Dong Woo, Cabo, Maurelio, Jr, Song, Jung‐Il
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken, USA John Wiley & Sons, Inc 01.03.2021; Blackwell Publishing Ltd
• Subjects: abaca fiber; eggshell powder; flame retardancy; Heat release rate; Infrared analysis; Mechanical properties; Optimization; Polymer matrix composites; Polypropylene; Thermal stability; Thermogravimetric analysis
• ISSN: 0272-8397; 1548-0569
• DOI: 10.1002/pc.25906

This research focused on the fabrication of flame‐retardant green composites by utilizing inexpensive bio‐waste eggshell powder (ESP) as a flame‐retardant additive to polypropylene (PP)/abaca fibers (AF) composites (AF/ESP‐PP). The optimization of AF reinforcement in composites examines various wt% (5‐20) of fibers in the light of mechanical properties. Fifteen weight percentage of AF reinforcement showing the highest tensile (26 MPa) and flexural (46 MPa) strength compared to the remaining composites. Spectral (Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy) and micro (scanning electron microscope) analysis support the improvement of mechanical strength of the composites in connection with the interaction between AF with PP. Besides, different wt% (2, 4, 6, and 8) of ESP were incorporated into the AF/PP composites and examine the thermal and flame‐retardant properties by thermogravimetric analysis, horizontal burn test, and microcalorimetry, respectively. An improvement in thermal stability 9.82 wt% at 700°C, horizontal burn test results and decrement in peak heat release rate to 947 W/g.