Potential of recycled polypropylene: Effect of <i>Gigantochloa scortechinii</i> fiber on the morphology and properties of eco-composite

This study investigates the development and characterization of eco-composites based on recycled polypropylene (rPP) reinforced with Gigantochloa scortechinii fiber (GSF), a natural microfiber derived from bamboo. Composites containing 0 wt.%, 3 wt.%, and 6 wt.% GSF was prepared using a twin-screw extrusion process followed by injection molding. The thermal behavior of the composites was analyzed using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), while crystallinity and chemical bonding were assessed via X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), respectively. Mechanical properties were evaluated using flexural and impact tests. The results showed that incorporating 3 wt.% GSF improved flexural strength by 50.5%, increasing values from 31.39 MPa (pure rPP) to 47.23 MPa. Impact strength also reached a maximum of 7.07 J/m 2 at 3 wt.% GSF. These enhancements are attributed to improved fiber dispersion, alignment, and interfacial bonding within the rPP matrix. However, at 6 wt.% GSF, a slight reduction in flexural performance was observed due to fiber agglomeration. Overall, the findings demonstrate the potential of GSF-reinforced rPP as a sustainable alternative for green engineering applications in automotive, packaging, and construction materials.