Investigation of the Impact, Hardness, Density and Water absorption of Polypropylene Filled Doum Palm Shell Particles Composite

Abstract

Particulate fillers are used to improve the physical and mechanical properties of polymers to make it more suitable for engineering application. This study determined the impact, hardness and physical properties of polypropylene reinforced Doum palm shell particles composite; the effect of particles loading and particle size on the impact, hardness, density and water absorption properties of the composite were studied. The composites were prepared by compounding polypropylene and Doum palm shell particles using compression moulding method. The particles loading in the matrix (polypropylene) were varied from 0 - 40 wt. % at 5 wt. % intervals, after which the composites were characterized. SEM analysis was also conducted on the composites. The results showed that the addition of Doum palm shell particles stiffened the flexibility of the polymer and improved its ability to absorb and dissipate energy. Composite of 150 µm has the maximum impact strength of 4.1 kJ/m 2 at 35 wt. % particles loading and 3.9 kJ/m 2 at 30 wt. % particles loading for 300 µm. The hardness of the composite was improved with increase in particle loading of the composites. The hardness increases from 6.53 HRF to 9.1HRF at 35 wt. % for 150 µm particle size and 8.6 HRF for 300 µm. Density and water uptake of the composite increases with increase in particles loading and size in the composites.  The SEM images of the composites reveal a good interfacial bonding between Doum palm shell particles and the matrix. These account for the good impact and hardness properties of the composites obtained. Keywords: Impact strength, Hardness, polypropylene, Doum palm shell particles, Microstructural analysis, water absorption DOI : 10.7176/JIEA/8-1-04