Structure–morphology–mechanical properties relationship of some polypropylene/lignocellulosic composites

• Composites based on polypropylene and different biomass filler were prepared by simple melting-mixing.
• The specimens were evaluated for structural, morphological, mechanical and rheological properties.
• The biomass filler act as a nucleation agent in the polymeric matrix.

Natural lignocellulosic materials have an outstanding potential as thermoplastic reinforcement. Polypropylene composites were prepared using different types of lignocellulosic materials by melt blending of 70 wt% polypropylene (PP) and 30 wt% biomasses. The specimens were firstly evaluated for structural and morphological properties by infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron and polarized optical microscopy. Depending on the biomass type, there were evidenced some particular shifts of the infrared bands and also crystallinity changes. An increase in crystallinity is explained by nucleating agent role of biomass. The morphological changes are directly related to variation in mechanical and rheological properties, an increase in Young modulus, melt viscosity and storage and loss moduli being recorded.

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