An Experimental Investigation on Tensile and Impact Properties of Bagasse/Polypropylene Natural Composite

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 - Department of Mechanical Engineering, Aligudarz Islamic Azad University, Aligudarz.

2 Mechanical engineering department, Ayatollah Boroujerdi University, Boroujerd, Iran

3 Ahwaz islamic azad university

Abstract

Sugarcane bagasse is one of the most abundant types of natural fibers which can be utilized to fabricate natural composite materials. Since bagasse is one of the wastes of Khuzestan province sugarcane factories, recycling might be an opportunity to enjoy its economic and environmental benefits. In the present study, the mechanical and microstructural properties of Bagasse/Polypropylene natural composite fabricated by the injection molding method were investigated. Bagasse fibers after the drying process were mixed up to polypropylene with 10, 30, 40 and 50% weight fraction of bagasse. In order to investigate the mechanical properties, experimental tests consist of tensile test and Charpy impact tests were carried out. The results showed that the maximum material strength was obtained from the sample made of 40% weight fraction of bagasse. The strength of 40% bagasse was found about 10%more than 50% bagasse. The microstructural analysis indicated that the failure mechanism of 40% bagasse was mainly affected by fiber breakage. However, the main failure mechanism of 50% bagasse was changed to fiber pull out. Additionally, impact absorbed energy was significantly decreased by increasing the bagasse weight fraction.

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Main Subjects


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