Hybrid heterophasic polypropylene composites with basalt fibers and Magnesium oxysulfate reinforcements for sustainable automotive materials

Abstract

Hybrid heterophasic polypropylene (PP) composites comprising basalt fibers and Magnesium oxysulfate reinforcements were fabricated for the next generation of automobile plastic parts. The prepared composites were tested and characterized for their thermo-mechanical performance. Addition of polypropylene-grafted-maleic anhydride (PP-g-MA) increased the tensile and flexural strength signifying the establishment of an adequate fiber-matrix interphase in case of hybrid composites. While basalt fiber addition played a reinforcing role in all the composites, Magnesium oxysulfate agglomeration and lack of an adequate fiber – matrix interphase reduced the reinforcing efficiency of the hybrid reinforcements at higher Magnesium oxysulfate contents. Nevertheless, the hybrid composites had higher mechanical properties than the neat polypropylene and Magnesium oxysulfate reinforced polypropylene. Hybrid composites offer enhanced mechanical properties, improved impact performance, and increased sustainability, making them a promising choice for the automotive industry.

Keywords

• Basalt fiber
• Composites
• Hybrid
• Heterophasic polypropylene
• Magnesium oxysulfate