Mechanical properties of natural fiber/polypropylene, foamed and reinforced with spherical carbon nanoparticles for application in automotive industry

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Assoc. Prof., Department of Wood Engineering and Technology, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, I.R. Iran

2 Ph.D. in Wood Composites, Department of Wood Engineering and Technology, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, I.R. Iran

3 Prof., Department of Wood Industries, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, I.R. Iran

4 Prof., Nanotechnology Research Center, Research Institute of Petroleum Industry, Tehran, I.R. Iran

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanical properties of foamed, reinforced and light weighted natural fiber/polypropylene nanocomposites using spherical carbon nanoparticles for use in the automotive industry. For this purpose, bagasse flour at constant level of 40%, azodicarbonamide foaming agent at 0, 2 and 4% levels, spherical carbon nanoparticles at four levels, namely 0, 0.25, 0.5 and 1% were selected as study variables. Polypropylene as polymeric matrix, and polypropylated maleic anhydride coupling agent (4% constant value) were considered for different nanocomposite compositions. The mixing of materials was performed using an internal mixing machine and then by hot and cold two-step press. Test specimens for density, impact strength, flexural and tensile tests were fabricated using standard molds. The ultrastructure of the nanocomposites was also studied using SEM microscopic images. Results showed that by increasing the amount of foaming agent, the density of the product decreased significantly, but had a negative effect on mechanical strengths except impact strength. Impact strength of lightweight nanocomposites had higher values than that of control samples. It was also found that increasing the amount of carbon nanoparticles was able to compensate for the decrease in other resistances in lightweight nanocomposites and increase their quantities. Ultrastructural examination of the samples also showed that in the presence of carbon nanoparticles, bagasse particles were better dispersed inside the polymer and a better bonding between them and the polymer occurred. Also, the presence of a foaming agent increases the pores and decreases the density.

Keywords

References

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Forest and Wood Products
Volume 73, Issue 2
August 2020
Pages 177-187

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