Premium
Preparation and evaluation of composites containing polypropylene and cotton gin trash
Author(s) -
Ge Changfeng,
Cheng Huai N.,
Miri Massoud J.,
Hailstone Richard K.,
Francis Johnathan B.,
Demyttenaere Shao M.,
Alharbi Najat A.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of applied polymer science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.575
H-Index - 166
eISSN - 1097-4628
pISSN - 0021-8995
DOI - 10.1002/app.49151
Subject(s) - polypropylene , ultimate tensile strength , materials science , composite material , crystallinity , maleic anhydride , toluene , absorption of water , copolymer , elongation , polymer , chemistry , organic chemistry
Composites of polypropylene (PP) and cotton gin trash (GT) were prepared to enhance the utilization of agro‐based materials in industrial products. GT was modified by two methods: toluene washed only, and toluene washed and treated with maleic anhydride‐grafted polypropylene (MAPP). These GT samples were extruded with PP, including MAPP and ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer in various weight ratios (32 composites total). The PP composites displayed tensile strengths close to that of the neat PP, and exhibited higher values of tensile modulus and lower elongation at break than the neat PP. Based on DSC measurements, the PP composites containing 10 wt% GT exhibited two crystalline regimes, while those containing 20 wt% GT were similar in crystallinity to that of the neat PP. The composites were also characterized using SEM, TGA, water absorption tests, and contact angle measurements. These composites represent a more sustainable alternative to neat, fossil fuel‐based PP.