Effect of process variable on the mechanical and thermal behavior of a polypropylene composite reinforced with short bamboo fibers by hot compression

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Published: Oct 13, 2025
Updated: 2025-10-13
Versions:
2025-10-13 (3)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17163/ings.n34.2025.02
Keywords:
Natural fibers, bamboo, polymeric composites, hot compression, mechanical characterization, thermal characterization

Main Article Content

Leidy Quintero
Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2611-9539
Alexis García
Centro de diseño y manufactura del cuero - SENA
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1650-1451
Alejandro Alcaraz
Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0166-2191
Jorge Fajardo
Universidad Politécnica Salesiana
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1047-398X
Luis Cruz
Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7650-5441

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of fiber content and coupling agent concentration on the mechanical and thermal behavior of a polypropylene-based composite. The materials were fabricated via hot compression molding using pellets composed of polypropylene (PP) modified with maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene (MAPP) and reinforced with short bamboo fibers derived from Guadua angustifolia Kunth (GAK). The fibers were previously extracted through the steam explosion technique. The research was carried out in two stages: first, the composite materials were produced; second, their mechanical and thermal properties were comprehensively characterized. The incorporation of GAK fibers and MAPP significantly altered the mechanical performance of the PP matrix, yielding stiffer composites with improved flexural strength and impact resistance. The optimal formulation, containing 50 wt% GAK fibers and 4 wt% MAPP, resulted in a 322% increase in elastic modulus (2.9 GPa) compared to neat polypropylene (0.7 GPa). Both variables, fiber content and compatibilizer concentration, were found to exert a substantial influence on the mechanical behavior of the resulting composites.

Article Details

Issue
No. 34 (2025): july-december
Section
Scientific Paper
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