Mechanical properties of kenaf fiber and montmorillonite reinforced recycled polyethylene terephthalate/recycled polypropylene

Abstract The feasibility of developing kenaf fiber (KF) reinforced recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) and recycled polypropylene (rPP) with comparison to two different reinforcing fillers, KF and montmorillonite (MMT) reinforced rPET/rPP was studied. In addition, the compatibilizer of ethylene vinyl acetate grafted maleic anhydride (EVA-g-MA) at composition 5 phr was used. Composites were prepared using twin-screw extruder and followed by injection molding. The optimum blend ratio of rPET/rPP was observed at 90 wt% rPET and 10 wt% rPP. The incorporation of 5 phr EVA-g-MA improved tensile and impact strength of the blends. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs revealed that by adding EVA-g-MA, homogeneous dispersion of rPP was observed. The addition of KF into compatibilized blend decreased mechanical properties of tensile and impact strength of the blends while adding MMT improved significantly the mechanical properties