Featuring of alumina nanoparticle and NaOH treated flax fiber on function properties of polypropylene composites

The scenario of modern technology adopting polymer-based hybrid composites is caused by specific properties like high strength, lower specific weight, and improved toughness. Besides, the natural fiber-made polymer composite faced inconsistent behaviour, moisture absorption, and processing challenges that limit their utilization for high-performance usages. The current investigation on polypropylene (PP) composite composition of 2-4 mm sodium hydroxide surface-treated flax fiber (TFF) and nano-sized (50 nm) alumina particles (Al₂O₃) by using injection moulding, which is 10 wt% flax fiber along with 0, 2.5, 5, and 7.5 wt% nano-sized Al₂O₃ to enhancing the behaviour of mechanical strength and evaluation of such as yield/tensile, impact, and flexural strength of the composite. During the fabrication process, an injection pressure of 100 MPa is applied at a processing temperature of 200 °C for 10 min. The contributions of Al₂O₃ and TFF to the polypropylene (PP) matrix are examined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. The TEM results reveal a homogeneous structure with a uniform distribution of TFF and Al₂O₃. The optimal mechanical properties are observed in the composite of PP with 10 wt% TFF and 7.5 wt% Al₂O₃, which shows superior performance compared to other compositions. The yield strength/tensile strength, impact strength, and flexural strength of the PP/10 wt% TFF/7.5 wt% Al₂O₃ composite are measured to be 42.8 ± 0.6 MPa/49.5 ± 0.7 MPa, 18 ± 0.8 J/mm², and 56 ± 0.6 MPa, respectively. This particular composition of composite specimens is recommended for applications in automobile cabins.