Studies on mechanical and acoustic properties of natural fibres reinforced polypropylene composites

Abstract

The present work was carried out based on the studies of mechanical and acoustic characteristics of natural fibers based polypropylene composites. This study was initiated with the material selection of using natural fibers like milkweed, kusha grass, sisal, banana, hay fiber reinforced with polypropylene matrix. The percentage of reinforcement was obtained for 5-30 % with the addition of MAPP (Maleic anhydride polypropylene) as compatibilizer. PP/natural fiber was prepared with the following, PP concentrations: 100/0 by weight, PP/milkweed fiber, PP/kusha grass fiber, PP/sisal fiber, PP/banana fiber and PP/hay fiber concentrations: 92/3/5, 87/3/10, 82/3/15, 77/3/20, 72/3/25, and 67/3/30 by weight. The mixture was melt blending using Twin screw extruder and injection molding. The samples produced were reinforced with the specimen dimensions of 90 mm diameter with thickness of 10 mm, 20mm and 40 mm (meta-material). The 40 mm anechoic meta-material chamber was designed based on three conditions. The encapsulation chamber for milkweed fiber, kusha grass fiber, hay fiber, banana fiber and sisal fiber reinforced polymer composite of 40 mm thick for 90 mm diameter with bored hole depth of 30 mm was processed using high speed boring operation. The inner core swirl diffusing chamber of thermoplastic Polyurethane Anechoic material of 80mm diameter with 20 mm thickness was prepared using rapid prototype machine by fusion deposition model. A micro perforated panel of 80mm diameter with 10 mm thickness was used for milkweed fiber, kusha grass fiber, sisal fiber, banana fiber and hay fiber reinforced polymer composite materials. newline