Processing and Fabrication of Hemp Natural Fiber-Blended Polypropylene Composite: Characteristics Study

The bio-composites are prepared with fiber material extracted from natural sources, which has the potential for biodegradability, durability, and specific behavior. This investigation involves chemical-based surface processing of hemp as 0, 10, 20, and 30 wt% for developing the polypropylene (PP) composite through the compression mold method. Loading sodium hydroxide (NaOH)-processed hemp natural fiber on tensile and flexural strength and thermo-gravimetric weight loss of prepared PP composites is investigated by the ASTM D3039, S790, and D3850 standards. The impacts of hemp natural fiber (NaOH) loading PP matrix were found to have superior mechanical and thermal properties. The higher loading of 30 wt% hemp natural fiber (NaOH) significantly enhanced tensile and flexural strength of 47 ± 1 and 69 ± 2 MPa, exposing a lower % thermal mass loss of 6%. PP composite's enhanced mechanical and thermal performance is suggested for automotive roof frame applications.