Jutarat Prachayawarakorn and Kanita Anggulalat

pp. 595 - 606

Abstract

This research focused on the mechanical and morphological properties of polypropylene composites
reinforced by Meranti hardwood sawdust. The effects of sawdust aspect ratio (L/D ratio), the amount of
the sawdust and the application of maleic anhydride-grafted-polypropylene (MAPP) coupling agent on the
composite properties were also investigated. Composites were prepared by compounding in a single-screw
extruder, then, injection moulding technique was used to obtain testing specimens. It was found that Young’s
modulus and flexural modulus of the sawdust-polypropylene composites were increased prominently with
the increasing of not only the sawdust aspect ratio but also the % sawdust content. Besides, impact strength
was depended on the sawdust aspect ratio. In addition, the use of the MAPP coupling agent had a profound
effect on the mechanical properties of the composites. Micrographs from scanning electron microscope
(SEM) revealed the improvement of adhesion in the interfacial boundary between the sawdust and the
polypropylene matrix.