Abstract:
In this research, polymer matrix composites of denim fiber reinforcements with a view to
recycling the wastes from garments industries are studied. Polypropylene matrix based
composite structures were prepared by using waste denim fiber at different wt.% and for
different fiber orientations. The mechanical, thermal, chemical and morphological
properties of the composites were characterized.
The results indicated that the flexural strength and the flexure modulus of the composites
improved with increasing fiber percentage because even dispersion of fibers in the matrix
can be possible for higher percentage of fibers and the huge amount of fibers are
capable to withstand higher bending load. Better tensile properties were obtained at lower
fiber content. Agglomeration of fibers, increase in fiber–fiber interaction and the
increased void content all are responsible for the reduced tensile strength of the
composites containing higher fiber percentage. Lower values of hardness at higher fiber
fraction were obtained due to the presence of voids and porosity. The surface
morphology of the fracture surfaces of the tensile specimens, examined by a field
emission scanning electron microscope, revealed the poor interfacial bonding between
fiber and matrix and as well as the presence of micro voids and blowholes in the fracture
surface. The infrared spectra of pp-denim fiber composites were taken and the
characteristic peaks were studied. The lower thermal stability of the newly developed
composites was confirmed by thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA).
