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Coir Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene Composites: Eco-friendly Byproducts

S. M. G. Moktadir
Department of Food Technology and Nutritional Science, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Santosh, Tangail-1902, Bangladesh

M. U. Talukder
Department of Food Technology and Nutritional Science, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Santosh, Tangail-1902, Bangladesh

A. K. O. Huq*
Department of Food Technology and Nutritional Science, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Santosh, Tangail-1902, Bangladesh

M. A. Gafur
Department of Pilot Plant & Product Development Center, Bangladesh Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh

A. M. S. Chowdhury
Department of Applied Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Technology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Coir fiber (CF) reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites were fabricated using an extruder machine. The fiber contents were varied 5 to 20% and physico-mechanical properties as well as bio-degradability were also tested. Ultimate tensile strength and flexural strength decreases with the increases of percentages of fiber addition. Lowest percentage elongation is observed at 20% CF+PP composite which are rigid in nature. Leeb rebound hardness also decreases with the increase of percentage of raw fiber addition. The bio-degradation of different percentage of CF and PP composites in soil and saline water increased with increase of coir fiber content. Thus, it showed that higher percentage of coir fiber was produced more biodegradable and eco-friendly byproducts. However, higher percentages of coir fiber decrease the mechanical properties. A moderate percentage of coir fiber i.e. 15% CF +PP showed the good mechanical properties as well as considerable amount of bio-degradability in soil and saline water.

Keywords: Bio-degradation, Coir fiber, Mechanical properties, Polypropylene

Location: Department of Food Technology and Nutritional Science, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Santosh, Tangail-1902, Bangladesh

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Resource Development and Management

Commodity: Waste

Objectives:

An attempt has been made to prepare a coir fiber-reinforced polypropylene composite which is bio-degradable in nature and can be utilized in various purposes.

Methodology:

Sample collection and composite preparation The raw materials for preparing the samples were coir fiber collected from Bagerhat district of Bangladesh. Polypropylene was supplied by the Polyolefin Company (Singapore) Pvt. Limited. Composites were prepared by varying different amount of fiber contents from 5% to 20% with polypropylene by using the Paul-Otto Weber Presser Hydraulic Press extruder machine. Then different physico-mechanical properties such as tensile properties, flexural properties and hardness were measured. At the same time, bio-degradability in soil and saline water were also observed the prepared composite materials. Tensile strength measurement Tensile specimen was prepared according to ASTM Standard D 638-01. (ASTM 2002a). Hardness measurement Leeb Rebound Hardness is measured by an impact body with a hard metal test tip is propelled by spring force against the surface of the test piece. Surface deformation takes place when the impact body hits the test surface, which will result in loss of kinetic energy. This energy loss is calculated by velocity measurements. When the impact body is passing the coil at a precise distance from the surface, a signal voltage is induced during the impact and rebound phase of the test. The voltages are proportional to the velocity. Signal processing by the electronics provides the Leeb hardness reading for display and storage. Biodegradation measurement Degradation in soil and water measured by keeping samples under soil and water for several period of time and weight loss was calculated.

Source of Information: J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 10(1): 61-64, 2017 ISSN 1999-7361

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Composites with good biodegradable properties could be successfully developed by using 15% and 20% coir fiber as reinforcing agent. Biodegradability in both saline water and soil increases with increase in fiber content, thus higher fiber containing composite is more environment friendly. However, ultimate tensile strength and flexural strength were decreases with the increase of percentage of fiber addition. Lowest percentage elongation was found in 20% CF+PP composite which is more rigid in nature compared to others. Thus, it can be concluded that, the physicmechanical properties of coir fiber reinforced polypropylene composites was improved to a certain extent. Furthermore, the composites of this study were biodegradable and eco-friendly, also probable cost effective as coir fiber is highly abundant in Bangladesh.

Knowledge Management: Journal