Effect of Areca and Waste Nylon Fiber Hybridization on the Properties of Recycled Polypropylene Composites

Present research investigated the effect of areca and waste nylon fiber hybridization on the properties of areca and waste nylon fiber-reinforced hybrid recycled polypropylene composites. The impact of fiber surface modification was also investigated by the alkali treatment of natural areca fiber. Composites were manufactured using hot press machine by creating an alternative layer of fiber matrix lamellae arrangement at four levels of fiber loading (10, 15, 20, and 25 wt%). Areca and waste nylon fiber ratio were varied at 1:3, 2:3, 3:2, and 3:1 for 20 wt% fiber-loaded composites. Tensile, flexural and hardness tests, scanning electron microscopic, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis were conducted for characterization of the composites. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis of the composites indicated decrease of hemicelluloses and lignin content and corresponding improved mechanical interlocking with alkali treatment of areca fiber. Treated fiber-reinforced composite showed better mechanical properties in comparison with the untreated ones. Tensile test of composites showed a decreasing trend of tensile strength after 10 wt% fiber loading. Whereas Young's modulus, flexural strength, flexural modulus, and hardness values were found to be increased with the increase in fiber loading. Only tensile strength value was higher in higher areca fiber-reinforced composite. All other properties were peaked on highest waste nylon fiber-reinforced one. Scanning electron microscopic analysis indicated more uniform distribution of fibers in treated fiber-reinforced composite, while fiber agglomeration increased in higher fiber-loaded composites.