Spray-free polypropylene composites reinforced by coupling agent treated jute fiber

In this work, jute fiber and aluminum (Al) powder were used synergistically to improve the mechanical properties and color of polypropylene (PP) composites, which can be used as spray-free materials. The effect of jute fiber and Al powder on the mechanical properties of PP composites was systematically investigated. The results show that jute fiber and Al powder can significantly improve the tensile strength and impact strength of PP. Compared with pure PP, the tensile strength, impact strength, and elastic modulus of jute/Al/PP composites were increased by 55.1%, 78.9%, and 263%, respectively. Compared with Al/PP spray-free materials, they were increased by 11.2%, 9.07%, and 103%, respectively. Statistical analysis by one-way analysis of variance confirmed that Al powder and jute fiber have significant improvement on the mechanical properties of PP composites.