Feasibility study of using compatibilizer on sustainable tin by-product filled polypropylene composites for engineering applications

Tin slag (TS), a byproduct of the tin extraction process, was employed as a filler in polypropylene (PP), resulting in a sustainable composite with potential technical uses. PP composites containing varying loadings such as 5, 10, and 15 parts per hundred resins (phr) of TS with and without compatibilizers were prepared and tested. Tensile and impact strength were investigated, and PP-TS composites without compatibilizer resulted in 4.3 % and 17.4 % drop in tensile and impact strength compared to pure PP at 5 phr TS loading, respectively. In addition, a comparison study was conducted between PP-TS composites with and without a compatibilizer, as well as Maleic Anhydride Grafted with Polypropylene (MAPP). Also, the use of MAPP compatibilizer resulted in a significant increase in composite tensile strength when compared to uncompatibilized PP-TS composites and pristine PP. Moreover, the tensile strength increased by 6.7 % at 10 phr loading in the PP-TS composite with MAPP compared to the composite without MAPP. On the other hand, MAPP incorporation decreased the impact strength of PP-TS composites. Furthermore, the presence of MAPP in PP-TS composites boosted thermal stability by 12.4 % as well as the composites resistance to thermal deterioration. Meanwhile, the tension fractured surfaces were examined under a scanning electron microscope to determine their failure pattern. Furthermore, the addition of MAPP compatibilizer to PP-TS composites allows for the use of TS as a particulate sustainable reinforcement in PP composites. • Investigates Tin Slag Polymer Concrete (TSPC) strengthening by fiber confinement. • Test results shown that aramid fiber (AF) confinement provides more strength. • Stress-strain curve shown that TSPC-AF exhibit higher degree of brittleness. • Promotes a sustainable reinforcement for polymer composites applications.