Compatibilized PP/EPDM-Kenaf Fibre Composite using Melt Blending Method

Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) composite reinforced with Hibiscus cannabinus, L fiber (kenaf fiber, KF) was prepared via melt blending method using internal mixer at temperature 180 degrees C, screw rotational speed at 40rpm for 10 min. TPE matrix is a blend of polypropylene (PP) and ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) at a ratio of 70:30. The optimum fiber loading were investigated from 0% to 20% by volume. The effect of coupling agent maleic anhydride polypropylene (MAPP) on the TPE composite has been investigated. The result shown that, with increasing the kenaf fiber content gradually increased the tensile strength and flexural strength for both treated and untreated PP/EPDM-KF composite. However, at 20% of kenaf fiber loading, it showed decreasing in impact strength due to brittleness of the samples. From the scanning electron micrograph (SEM) it has shown that the composite, with compatibilizer promotes better interaction between TPE and kenaf fiber.