Effect of fiber composition and mixing time on mechanical properties of the sorghum fiber reinforced polypropylene composite

The composite was made from polypropylene and sorghum fibers. These composites were made with Rheomix at a temperature of 160 °C, speed of 50 rpm with variations in fiber fraction of 5%, 10%, andm15% as well as variations in mixing time of 5, 7.5, and 10 minutes. Mechanical properties are determined with Universal Testing Machine and characterized with FE-SEM. Alkalinization thermal modification with 5% NaOH, pressurized steam for 3 minutes was carried out to improve the bond of matrix and sorghum fiber. The young modulus of composite increased with the addition of fiber and mixing time, while the elasticity of composites decreased. The fiber composition and mixing time able to improve the mechanical properties of the sorghum fiber reinforced polypropylene composite.