Influence of the chemical modification of hemp fibers on selected mechanical properties of polypropylene composite materials (Polish)
Polimery #5 (2011)
Pach and Kczmar, Poland, studied composites of polypropylene (PP) hemp fibers) and a compatibilizer (polypropylene grafted with maleic anhydride —MAH-PP). The components were initially homogenized on heated roll mills, and, then, injection molded.  The hemp fibers were subjected to chemical modification namely: acetylation, alkylation or treatment with maleic anhydride. The influence of such modification on selected mechanical properties of the composites (static tensile strength, elongation at break, Young's modulus, and Charpy impact strength) was studied. In the case of composites containing the chemically modified fibers and compatibilizer, they showed an increase in tensile strength and Young's modulus while a decrease in elongation at break and impact strength in comparison with the virgin PP.  (RDC 6/1/2011)