Investigation on the decay resistance of bagasse-polypropylene composite

In this research, the decay resistance of bagasse-polypropylene composite has been evaluated. The scope of research was to assess the effect of different weight percentages of bagasse (40, 55 and 70%) and coupling agent, (MAPP) maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (0, 4 and 6%) on the fungal decay of the composite. ASTM D1413-99 modified test method was used to carry out the decay test, Trametes Versicolor using as a white rot fungus. One sample of Alder was also used in decay test, to ensure the soundness and right activity of the fungus. Analyzing the data using variance analyze statistical method, has shown that the weight loss of composite due to decay was proportional to the bagasse weight percentage. In addition, the samples without coupling agent showed more weight loss in comparison with those having coupling agent, and, the higher the amount of coupling agent, the lower the decay of the composite.