Polypropylene biocomposites reinforced with softwood, abaca, jute, and kenaf fibers

• Four types of industrial grade natural fibers were used as a reinforcement for PP.
• The same processing parameters were maintained to determine the fiber type influence.
• Short jute and kenaf fibers provided the best mechanical strength.
• Short abaca fibers provided best improvement of notch impact strength.

The presented research study compares different types of common natural fibers used as a reinforcement in plastic composite industry. It contains characterization of each fiber type, its preparation method, and its chemical and physical properties. It follows from a description of the polypropylene biocomposite manufacturing process and physical properties of the obtained biocomposite materials. The biocomposites were manufactured in the same way and have the same matrix-to-fibre content (60/40 wt%). Therefore, the particular physical and chemical properties of the fibers used as a reinforcement and their influence onto mechanical properties of their biocomposites can be evaluated. This approach provides practical tools of how to tailor the properties of PP biocomposites by simply choosing an adequate fiber type as a matrix reinforcement. Furthermore, the information regarding: cultivation, price, and availability are compared to give a holistic view for these most common natural fibers for technical applications in plastic industry.

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