Characterizations of poly-lactic acid/polypropylene filled with bamboo charcoal powder

• Published in: Journal of Physics: Conference Series
• Main Author: Engku Zawawi E.Z.; Amirrudin M.; Kamarun D.; Bonnia N.N.; Rozana M.D.
• Format: Conference paper
• Language: English
• Published: Institute of Physics Publishing 2019
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85077794869&doi=10.1088%2f1742-6596%2f1349%2f1%2f012122&partnerID=40&md5=8e3faca27ac5020e8ec55500fb1a8716

In this study, polymer blend was prepared in the ratio of Polypropylene (PP) to Polylactic acid (PLA) of 70:30 by weight. Bamboo charcoal powder (BC), at different loading was added to identify its potential use as filler for the PP/PLA blend. The polymer blend and composites were prepared by using a twin screw extruder. The effects of BC content on the mechanical and thermal properties of the PP/PLA blend were investigated. The results of tensile strength and Izod impact strength show a significant decreased with the addition of BC content. The Young modulus of composites was significantly increased (80%) with the addition of 20 wt.% BC content. The SEM results of composites with 20 wt.% BC filler show a brittle fracture surface. TGA results revealed that, blending PP with PLA cause an increase in thermal stability of PLA. However, the incorporation of 20 wt.% BC has shifted the temperature of initial weight loss of PP/PLA blend towards lower temperature. DSC measurement indicates that the melting temperature (Tm) values of the PP/PLA blend decrease with the addition of 20 wt% BC content, from 169 to 164 °C. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.