Characteristic evaluation of polypropylene matrix composite reinforced with Corypha taliera fruit fibers

This study explores the properties and potential applications of polypropylene matrix composites reinforced with Corypha Taliera Fruit (CTF) fibers, focusing on enhancing mechanical, thermal, and morphological characteristics through alkali treatment. Fibers treated with varying concentrations of NaOH (2 %, 4 %, and 6 %) exhibited notable improvements in fiber rigidity, and interfacial bonding with the polypropylene matrix. 2 % NaOH exhibited the most balanced and notable improvements, making it the most effective treatment for enhancing mechanical properties without causing structural degradation seen at higher concentrations like 6 %. Mechanical testing revealed that the 30:70 fiber-to-matrix ratio provided optimal impact (17.86 ±2.12 kJ/m²) and load-bearing capacity, tensile (17.19 ± 1.13 MPa) and flexural strength (31.67 ± 1.95 MPa). SEM analysis confirmed enhanced fiber-matrix adhesion and reduced micro-void formation, contributing to better stress transfer and toughness. FTIR and XRD results indicated significant removal of hemicellulose and lignin, increasing cellulose crystallinity, while thermal analysis demonstrated improved stability, with higher degradation onset temperatures post-treatment. The findings suggest that CTF fibers, as sustainable reinforcements, offer viable alternatives to synthetic fibers for applications in automotive, aerospace, and construction industries, aligning with global sustainability goals. Future research should focus on optimizing alkali treatment parameters and exploring long-term environmental durability of these composites.