Abstract

This study investigated mechanical properties (tensile, flexural strength and hardness) of polypropylene composites reinforced with hybrid bamboo-kenaf fiber impregnated with calcium carbonate (CaCO3). In addition to the major components, hinder amine light stabilizer (HALS) and maleic anhydride grafted (MAHgPP) were added as additives. The manufacturing of the composites was accomplished through compression molding process. In the composites preparation, bamboo and kenaf fiber ratios were varied, while part by weight of Polypropylene (PP) matrix and other additives were kept unvaried. Tensile strength of the produced bamboo/kenaf fibers reinforced PP composites ranged from 36.53 to 53.57MPa, flexural strengths ranged from 50.47 to 67.59MPa and hardness from 92.03 to 99.56 Shore A. ANOVA was used to determine the interaction between bamboo and kenaf fibers in the composites. The analysis shows Probability P value (0.000) for interaction between bamboo and kenaf fibers for tensile strength, flexural strength, hardness in the composite is less than the significant value level (P = 0.05). The result clearly reveals that there is significant interaction between the fibers in the composite. Composites produced using 20% bamboo and 20% kenaf fiber gave optimum mechanical properties (53.57MPa, 67.59MPa and 99.56 Shore A respectively for tensile, flexural strength and hardness) than any other percentage combination.