Effect of Maleic Anhydride Polypropylene on the Properties of Spear Grass Fiber in Reinforced Polypropylene and Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer Composites

Abstract

Polypropylene ethylene propylene diene monomer (PP/EPDM) polymer composites reinforced by spear grass (10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 wt. %) were prepared with and without compatibilizer. The maleic anhydride polypropylene (MAPP) was applied as compatibilizer to the composites. The water absorption test and tensile test were conducted according to the ASTM570 and ASTM638, respectively. The percentage of water absorption, and elongation at break, was reduced with the increment of spear grass content. In contrast, tensile strength increased from 10 to 20 wt. % and then reduced thereafter. Besides, the MAPP enhanced the water absorption, tensile strength, tensile modulus and elongation at break properties of the composites. In conclusion, the 20 wt. % reinforcement of spear grass in the polypropylene ethylene propylene diene monomer polymer composites and MAPP as compatibilizer agent results in good properties.