The Impact, Thermal and Morphological Properties of Cellulosic and Cellulosic-Synthetic Reinforced Polymer Composites

Abstract

In recent decades, there has been a growing use of filler-reinforced thermoplastics, especially those enhanced with natural fillers, within the plastic industry. These materials are preferred for their ability to improve the properties of polymers, driven by benefits such as low density, biodegradability, reduced CO₂ emissions, absence of health hazards, and cost-effectiveness. In this study, wood powder/polypropylene composites (wood/PP) and wood powder/ glass powder/ polypropylene hybrid composites with varying filler concentrations were produced using injection moulding. The objective was to investigate how filler content affects the impact mechanical characteristics of these composites. Additionally, the study compared the properties of wood/PP composites and wood powder/ glass powder/ polypropylene composites fabricated experimentally with those modelled using finite element analysis. These composites are, widely employed in automotive products. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry were performed. The results indicated that the impact mechanical properties of wood/PP composites and wood powder/ glass powder/ PP composites reduced with increasing filler addition. Numerical modelling using finite element analysis results also showed that the impact mechanical properties reduced with increasing fibre additions.