DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SUSTAINABLE POLYMERIC COMPOSITES USING MICROWAVES

Abstract

Polymer matrix composites have very good properties like high specific stiffness, strength, good corrosion resistance and low density. Therefore, most of metal applications have been replaced by the polymer matrix composites. Research in the area of microwave processing has shown some potential advantages in the ability not only to process polymers at lower cost but to fabricate new materials and composites that. may not be possible using conventional thermal treatments. In the current dissertation report, natural fibers (grewia optiva. nettle, jute) reinforced polypropylene composites and synthetic fiber (glass fiber) reinforced polypropylene composites have been developed with the help of microwave heating with suitable susceptor; and samples have been characterized. The trials were conducted in atmospheric conditions at the fixed frequency 2.45 Gl-lz and a power of 900 W. Microwave power and exposure time were optimized for each type of composite and study shows that natural fiber and synthetic fiber reinforced composites can be easily cured with microwave heating. The obtained samples show a perfect boding between the fiber and the matrix. The tensile strength of the samples was measured and results of both type of the composites was compared. The results show that tensile strength of composite with reinforcement natural fibers is 63.87 % of that of synthetic fibers. Flexural strength of the natural PP/GOF composite is 96 % that of synthetic fibers. Impact strength is approximately equal for all types of developed composites.