Evaluation of Phormium Cookianum Fibers as Reinforcements for Polypropylene-based Composites

Abstract

Due to the abundance of vegetable fibers from the large variety of existing plant types, many of them have not yet been explored in terms of mechanical behavior as composite reinforcements. Most of the natural fibers composites are based in a few crop fibers leaving a large number of species without a comprehensive study. This work evaluates the tensile strength of fibers from Phormium cookianum. Scanning electron microscopy images were taken on the fiber surface after the mercerization process, as well as in the composite. Through these results, it can be identified that the damage caused to the surface of the fibers may directly influence the adhesion that occurs at the interface with the polymer. In general, the composites produced here have good mechanical properties with a low cost of production. On this basis, this product has the potential to replace panels, boards, injection and molded parts.

Keywords

• natural fibers
• composites
• phormium cookianum
• bio-based materials
• fiber modification
• mechanical properties