Effect of addition of sepiolite on the mechanical properties of glass fiber reinforced polypropylene

Abstract

Abstract Short glass fiber reinforced polypropylene is one of the composites with the widest range of applications in the plastics industry. The partial replacement of the glass fibers by sepiolite, brings forth a hybrid composite with better mechanical properties and, as a result, enhanced compatibility and better interfacial adhesion as a consequence of the surface properties of the sepiolite. The results obtained are also interesting from a practical point of view, as they allow for considerable reductions in the costs of the formulation.