Composites with natural raw materials play a more and more important role in the engineering field. Thermoplastic polymer composites filled with natural raw materials become the alternative to traditionally used materials. The addition of lignocellulosic materials to polypropylene can change properties of the resulting composites, which depends on the amount, shape and type of the used material and effects between the matrix and these materials. Undoubtedly, the advantage of such composites is that they can be easily processed by methods commonly used in thermoplasts processing.
In the present study, compounds with different Salix viminalis concentrations (20, 30, 50 wt. %) were prepared by using a twin screw extruder and the effect on the mechanical, flammability and microstructural properties of the polypropylene composites were investigated.
The results show that the presence of willow sawdust combined with coupling agent improved mechanical strength and significantly reduces flammability of the composites. The SEM images confirm the effect of coupling agent on the adhesion between polymer matrix and natural fillers.
Keywords: Salix viminalis, polypropylene composites, flammability, mechanical properties
Authors
Bujnowicz K.
Institute of Natural Fibres and Medicinal Plants, Poznań, Poland
Doczekalska B.
Institute of Chemical Wood Technology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poznań, Poland
Władyka-Przybylak M.
Institute of Natural Fibres and Medicinal Plants, Poznań, Poland
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