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Abstract
In this study, physical, mechanical, and flammability properties of coconut fiber reinforced polypropylene (PP) composite panels were evaluated. Four levels of the coir fiber content (40, 50, 60, and 70 % based on the composition by weight) were mixed with the PP powder and a coupling agent, 3 wt % maleic anhydride grafted PP (MAPP) powder. The water resistance and the internal bond strength of the composites were negatively influenced by increasing coir fiber content. However, the flexural strength, the tensile strength, and the hardness of the composites improved with increasing the coir fiber content up to 60 wt %. The flame retardancy of the composites improved with increasing coir fiber content. The results suggest that an optimal composite panel formulation for automotive interior applications is a mixture of 60 wt % coir fiber, 37 wt % PP powder, and 3 wt % MAPP.
Keywords
Coir,
coconut products,
palm products,
plant fibers,
polypropylene,
thermoplastic composites,
mechanical properties,
fiber-reinforced plastics,
cellulose fibers,
composite materials,
fire testing,
automobiles,
interiors,
thermal properties,
fire risk assessment,
fibers,
maleic anhydride,
elasticity,
flexure,
testing,
thermoplastic composites,
hardness,
flame spread,
strength,
polymers,
polymerization,
fire hazard,
fire resistance,
thermal degradation,
flammability,
coupling agents,
tensile strength,
biocomposites,
coir fiber,
composite panel,
natural fiber,
reinforced thermoplastic composite,
water resistance
Citation
Ayrilmis, Nadir; Jarusombuti, Songklod; Fueangvivat, Vallayuth; Bauchongkol, Piyawade; White, Robert H. 2011. Coir fiber reinforced polypropylene composite panel for automotive interior applications. Fibers and Polymers 12(7): 919-926.
