Effect of fibre loading on mechanical and thermal properties of sisal and kenaf fibre-reinforced injection moulded composites:

Kenaf and sisal fibres were selected for the development of natural fibre-reinforced thermoplastic composites because they are in abundance in South Africa. These materials can be used in the building industry, where good mechanical and fire resistance properties are required for structural and non-structural applications. High load bearing, moisture and fire can negatively affect the properties of these composites and decrease their performance. The effect of water glass, maleic anhydride-grafted-polypropylene (MAPP) treatment and fibre loadings on mechanical and thermal properties as well as fire resistance of kenaf and sisal fibre-reinforced polypropylene composites were investigated. The fibre-reinforced polypropylene composites were produced by injection and compression moulding processes. A significant improvement of the tensile strength and modulus of kenaf fibre composites was more pronounced when compared to sisal fibre composites. However, the water glass has a slight negative influence on mecha...