Effect of Silane Coupling Agent on Physical Properties of Polypropylene (PP)/Kenaf Fiber (KF) Felt Composites

In order to increase the compatibility of polypropylene (PP) and kenaf fiber (KF) felt, PP/KF and PP/KF/polyurethane (PU) felt composites were prepared by treating KF with three kinds of silane coupling agents. The concentration of silane coupling agents was fixed at 1 wt%. The chemical reaction between KF and silane coupling agents was confirmed by the existence of Si-O-Si and Si-O-C functional group bands appeared on FT-IR and X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS). Thermal properties of PP/KF composites were investigated by DSC and TGA, and the thermal stability of PP/KF composites with treated KF increased. Based on tensile, flexural and impact properties of PP/KF and PP/KF/PU composites, 1-2 wt% of (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APS) contents were the optimum formulation as a compatibilizer. The tensile and flexural strength of the felt composites treated with the silane coupling agents were improved. This is mainly due to the improvement in the compatibility between PP and KF, which was confirmed by SEM images of the fractured surfaces after tension tests.