A Comparison of Mechanical Properties of Natural Fiber Filled Biodegradable and Polyolefin Polymers

Abstract

A great value is nowadays being given to light-weight structures and durable light-weight materials and composites. In this respect, fiber reinforced plastics (FRP) are given more importance and are becoming one of the most distinguishing material categories next to metals. This research provides some results of mechanical properties of natural fiber reinforced polyolefins (PP, PE) in comparison to some biodegradable polymers, combined without any bonding enhancements, such as bonding agents or surface modifications. It is for this reason that the composites in this study do not show significant improvement in the mechanical properties of polymers; however they can be used as reference values for the mere natural fiber reinforcement. A comparison of polyolefins and biodegradable polymers shows that some biodegradable polymers eventually provide higher mechanical properties, mainly depending on the initial properties of the neat material.