Effect of Nanoclay on the Performance of Calotopis Gigantea Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites at Distinct Temperature

Abstract

Polymer-based nanocomposite is a developing subject that attracts many researchers due to its special qualities and versatility. Because the specific surface areas of nanofillers in nanocomposites are so high, it is much simpler to produce mechanical properties at the interface. Furthermore, a favorable interaction between the nanofillers and polymer matrix may manifest itself even at comparatively lower percentages of loading nanofillers. Thus, a smart, adaptive polymer nanocomposite material with the required mechanical characteristics was the goal. In this study, maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MPP) was used as a compatibilizer at various weight percentages of nanoclay content to create calotropis gigantea fiber (CGF)-reinforced polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites utilizing a twin-screw extruder, followed by compression molding. Presently discussed are the impact behaviors of PP/MPP/nanoclay nanocomposites and PP/MPP/nanoclay/CGF nanocomposites at cryogenic temperature (-190oC), ambient temperature (25oC), and high temperature (130oC). The impact behavior of the PP matrix modified with the addition of nanoclay at increasing concentrations of 5 weight percent of nanoclay and 5 weight percent of compatibilizer, respectively, at cryogenic, ambient, and high temperatures. At high temperatures, nanocomposites' impact strength is more than it is at room temperature, and it is even greater at low temperatures. Nevertheless, the increased impact strength of nanocomposites is only made possible when the nanoclay in the PP matrix prevents cracks from propagating, not because the fibers prevented the PP matrix from deforming plastically. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the fracture surfaces of the composites.