Functionalization, compatibilization and properties of polypropylene composites with Hemp fibres

Composites of isotactic polypropylene (PP) with Hemp fibres (Cannabis sativa), functionalized by means of melt grafting reactions with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and prepared by batch mixing, were examined. Either the modification of fibres (Hemp-GMA) and polyolefin matrix (PP-g-GMA), as well as the addition of various compatibilizers (PP-g-GMA, SEBS, SEBS-g-GMA) were carried out to improve the fibre–matrix interactions. The modified components and their composites were characterised by FT-IR analysis, POM and SEM microscopy, RX, DSC, TGA and mechanical tests. The properties of binary (PP/Hemp, PP/Hemp-GMA, PP-g-GMA/Hemp) and ternary (PP/Hemp/compatibilizer) composites were analysed as a function of the fibre amount and compatibilizer content. All modified composites showed improved fibre dispersion in the polyolefin matrix and higher interfacial adhesion when compared to the unmodified system (PP/Hemp) as a consequence of chemical bonding between fibre and polymer. The thermal stability and phase behaviour of the composites resulted to be largely affected by the fibre and matrix modification. Changes in the spherulitic morphology and crystallisation behaviour of PP were observed in the composites due to the nucleating effect of Hemp fibres. Moreover, a marked increase of PP isothermal crystallisation rate (in the range 120–138 °C) was recorded with increasing the Hemp-GMA content. All composites displayed higher tensile modulus (about 2.9 GPa) and lower elongation at break as compared to plain PP; compatibilization with PP-g-GMA (10 phr) resulted in an increased stiffness of the composites as consequence of an improved fibre–matrix interfacial adhesion.