The effect of lignin as a compatibilizer on the physical properties of coconut fiber-polypropylene composites

Lignin has been employed as a compatibilizer in the coconut fiber-polypropy lene. The effect of lignin as a compatibilizer on mechanical properties has been studied. The study demonstrates that composites with lignin as a comp atibilizer possess higher flexural properties as compared to the control co mposites. The results also show that tensile properties do not improve as l ignin is incorporated. Scanning electron microcopy results (SEM) display so me proof of an enhanced compatibility at the interfacial region. In additio n to that, the results also exhibit evidence that size irregularities and f iber distribution may play a dominant role on the properties, which may sur pass the effect of improved compatibility. Lignin is shown to reduce the wa ter absorption and thickness swelling of the composites. Overall, composite s with maleic anhydride-modified polypropylene (Epolene E-43) as a compatib ilizer display greater mechanical properties than those with lignin. (C) 20 00 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.