Effects of Ramie Fiber/Boron Nitride Exposure on the Mechanical Characteristics of Injection-Moulded Polypropylene Composites for Automated Structural Applications

Abstract

Hybrid fiber/ceramic to polymer matrix combination provides better tensile strength, improved flexural strength, good fracture toughness, durability, improved corrosion resistance, better chemical stability and good thermal behaviour reason; the composites are applied for high strength-to-weight ratio automotive structural applications. The present hybrid polypro-pylene composite is made with constant weight percentages of ramie fiber (chemically treated) and boron nitride (BN) particles (50nm) via an injection moulding machine configured with a hot press. Influences of ramie fiber (biodegradable) and BN on yield-tensile, elongation, and microhardness behaviour of hybrid polypropylene composite was experimentally studied with a statistical significance of 5 % followed by three trials. The composite of polypropylene is fabricated with 12 wt% of ramie (biodegradable) fiber along with BN of 6 wt% of BN and is exposed to superior yield & tensile strength, elongation percentage, and microhardness performance; it is superior to the value of unreinforced polypropylene. The yield & tensile strength & microhardness of polypropylene/12 wt% ramie fiber/ 6 wt% BN are 59.4±0.5MPa, 72.4±0.6MPa, 41.5%, and 53±0.2HV respectively. This polypropylene hybrid nanocomposite with 12 wt% and 6 wt% ramie (chemically treated) fiber and BN is recommended for automated structural application due to its enhanced tensile strength, microhardness, and improved elongation behaviour.

Keywords

• Boron nitride
• Injection mould
• Polypropylene
• Ramie fiber
• Properties

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