Polypropylene/Rattan Powder/Kaolin Hybrid Composites: Processing, Mechanical and Thermal Properties

Rattan powder of 20 parts phr and kaolin filler ranged between 0 and 10phr were incorporated into polypropylene to produce a hybrid composite. Processing study, mechanical, thermal stability and water absorption tests were carried out. Peak and stabilization torques, thermal stability and tensile modulus improved, while elongation at break declined with increasing kaolin filler loading. The tensile strength increased with addition of kaolin filler up to 4phr. Water absorption decreased with incorporation of kaolin filler. SEM studies of tensile-fractured surfaces of the composites explained the effects of different kaolin filler content onto the stress distribution in the composites.