Research Article

Effect of Woven E - Glass Fibre Loading on the Mechanical, Morphological and Physical Properties of Reinforced Polypropylene Composite for Automobile Application

E. Danladi1*, Mamza Paul Andrew2, Yaro S. A3, ISA M. T4, Sadiku E. R5, Ray S. S6
1 Department of Chemistry, Federal University, Gashua, Nigeria
2 Department of Chemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
3 Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
4 Department of Chemical Engineering Ahmadu Bello University Zaria
5 Institute of Nano Engineering Research (INER), Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa
6 National Centre for Nano–Structured and Advanced Materials, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria, South Africa.
* Corresponding author: danladielijah@yahoo.com
Published: Jun, 2023
Pages: 66-73

Abstract

This research investigates the impact of glass fiber content on the mechanical, morphological, physical, and dynamic mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP) composites. The selection of PP and glass fiber is driven by their widespread availability, favorable mechanical characteristics, and cost-effectiveness. The study involves the fabrication of glass fiber-reinforced PP composites using a Carver Press Model with a fiber loading range of 13% to 22%. The following properties were evaluated for the composites with 18% fiber loading: Tensile strength: 55.2 MPa, Tensile modulus: 989.1 MPa, Flexural strength: 64.47 MPa, Flexural modulus: 1970.58 MPa, Impact strength: 28.76 kJ/m², Density: 1.038 g/cm³, Water absorption: 0.274%. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) revealed poor fiber-matrix adhesion at elevated temperatures and high damping characteristics. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs further confirmed the presence of delamination, matrix rupture, and fiber breakage within the composite. Based on the improved properties observed in the study, particularly increased tensile and flexural strength and modulus, polypropylene composites with optimized glass fiber content could be suitable for various applications such as Automotive components, Construction materials, Sporting goods, and Consumer electronics. Overall, with further optimization, polypropylene composites with tailored glass fiber content have the potential to find applications in various industries requiring lightweight, strong, and cost-effective materials.

Keywords

Polypropylene Glass fibre DMA SEM

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How to Cite

Danladi, E., Andrew, M. P., A, Y. S., T, I. M., R, S. E., & S, R. S. (2023). Effect of Woven E - Glass Fibre Loading on the Mechanical, Morphological and Physical Properties of Reinforced Polypropylene Composite for Automobile Application. Nigerian Journal of Materials Science and Engineering, 13(1), 66-73.

E. Danladi, M. P. Andrew, Y. S. A, I. M. T, S. E. R, and R. S. S, "Effect of Woven E - Glass Fibre Loading on the Mechanical, Morphological and Physical Properties of Reinforced Polypropylene Composite for Automobile Application," Nigerian Journal of Materials Science and Engineering, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 66-73, June 2023.

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