From Wood Rosin to a Green Compatibilizer: Enhancing the Performance of Natural Fiber/Polypropylene Composites

ABSTRACT In this study, we investigate whether fortified rosin with maleic anhydride (FRMA), synthesized from renewable wood rosin, can effectively compatibilize polypropylene/natural fiber (PP/NF) composites. The morphology, thermal stability, mechanical, chemical, and physical properties of the prepared composites were tested using several characterization methods. Thermal results revealed that the degree of crystallinity ( X c ) of the PP/NF composite improved by a 2% increase with the addition of FRMA. HDT (heat deflection temperature) analysis demonstrated that the HDT of PP/NF composites increased (about 12%) to 116.4 ο C when FRMA was added, compared with the composites without FRMA content. Moreover, the presence of FRMA in composites with 20 wt. % and 30 wt. % NF filler ratios increased the flexural strengths by 8% and 6%, respectively. The highest flexural strength was found in the 77PP/20NF/3FRMA composite as 30.4 MPa. Similarly, the presence of FRMA increased the hydrophobicity in composites with 20 wt. % and 30 wt. % NF filler ratios. Based on the findings, FRMA synthesized in this study could be used as a green compatibilizer in different industrial fields for the preparation of immiscible polymer blends. Furthermore, this study highlighted the potential of wood rosin beyond its conventional applications.