Characterization of Polypropylene post-consume / Banana Fiber Composites

In this study, banana fibre surfaces were chemically modified and composites using polypropylene as a matrix were prepared. The FTIR analysis confirmed that the esterification increased the crystallinity and thermal stability of the acetylated fibres. Composites showed a decrease in the melt flow index and a slight reduction in density and hardness in relation to the matrix. Good matrix/fibre adhesion was observed by SEM micrographs.