The effect of hyperdispersant on the mechanical properties and morphology of sisal fiber/polypropylene composites

In order to enhance the interfacial interactions between the sisal fiber (SF) and the polypropylene (PP) matrix, a water-solubility hyperdispersant which has amphipathic structure and flexible segment was used. Experimental results revealed that when the content of hyperdispersant is 5 percent, the impact strength of the composites was 27.4 kJ.m(-2) and the flexural strength of SF/PP composites was 40.1 MPa, which was 64 and 34 wt% higher than that of unmodified systems, respectively. Meanwhile, the crystallinity of the composites also leads to an increase.