Polymer Composites Reinforced with Cellulosic and Cellulosic-Synthetic Fillers: A Numerical and Experimental Study

Polymer Composites Reinforced with Cellulosic and Cellulosic-Synthetic Fillers: A Numerical and Experimental Study
  IJETT-book-cover           
  
© 2025 by IJETT Journal
Volume-73 Issue-1
Year of Publication : 2025
Author : Wilson Webo, Moshibudi Caroline Khoathane, Washington Mhike
DOI : 10.14445/22315381/IJETT-V73I1P101

How to Cite?
Wilson Webo, Moshibudi Caroline Khoathane, Washington Mhike, "Polymer Composites Reinforced with Cellulosic and Cellulosic-Synthetic Fillers: A Numerical and Experimental Study," International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology, vol. 73, no. 1, pp. 1-13, 2025. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/22315381/IJETT-V73I1P101

Abstract
The increasing generation of wood waste presents an opportunity for sustainable material development. This study investigates the properties of polypropylene (PP) composites reinforced with wood powder and a hybrid of wood and glass powder fillers. The filler contents of the composites ranged from 0% to 50%. Tensile strength decreased with increasing wood powder content, where neat PP exhibited a tensile strength of 34.24 MPa, dropping to 29.55 MPa with 10% wood powder and 20.32 MPa at 50%. However, the hybrid composites improved performance, with tensile strength peaking at 33.50 MPa at 10% hybrid filler content. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed higher thermal stability in hybrid composites, with degradation onset at 300ºC, compared to 350ºC for neat PP. Scanning electron microscopy showed weak interfacial bonding in wood powder composites but better bonding in hybrid composites, enhancing performance. The study demonstrates the potential of hybrid fillers for applications where enhanced thermal stability and moderate mechanical strength are acceptable.

Keywords
Experimental, Glass powder, Polypropylene, Polymer, Numerical, Wood powder, Tensile.

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