Effect of Fiber Treatment Condition and Coupling Agent on the Mechanical and Thermal Properties in Highly Filled Composites of Sugarcane Bagasse Fiber/PP

Abstract This paper reports on a study of highly filled composites of polypropylene (PP) and 75% by weight sugarcane bagasse fiber with and without alkali treatment and with and without coupling agent (SEBS-g-MA). Composites were prepared using a Rheomix600 mixer connected to a HAAKE torque rheometer. The thermal and mechanical behavior of these composites were investigated by thermogravimetry (TGA), differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), flexural tests, impact tests and scanning electron microscopy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images taken from sugarcane bagasse fibers showed enhance...