Brazil nut bur particles reinforced polypropylene composite

Natural fibers exhibit significant promise for application in polymer composites to reduce environmental pollution. In this study, composites were fabricated using Polypropylene (PP) reinforced with Brazil nut bur particles at a concentration of 20 wt%. The fabrication process involved single-thread extrusion followed by injection molding to produce samples. Thus, the composite and particulate samples were analyzed using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Derivative Thermogravimetry (DTG), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Results indicate that the polymer composites display an onset of degradation at approximately 226°C, slightly lower than that of pure PP at 232°C. This trend is consistent across analysis, confirmed by reduced heat flux in DSC in the composites compared to PP. SEM revealed good compatibility and adhesion between the matrix and the inserted particles, where the use of a compatibilizing agent can improve the properties of the composites. The utilization of Brazil nut bur as a composite material emerges as a viable alternative, given its favorable thermal properties highlighted in the tests.