Experimental investigation of mechanical and electrical properties of semi-biodegradable polypropylene/hemp woven thermoplastic composite

In this research, the process of surface modification, fabrication, and examination of the mechanical and electrical properties of a semi-biodegradable composite prepared from polypropylene and hemp fiber fabric has been discussed. Production of composite samples was done by dissolving polypropylene polymer in a xylene solution and then combining it with fiber fabric under pressure and temperature curing of a hot press. To improve the interface between the fibers and the matrix and to improve the mechanical properties of the produced samples, the surface of the hemp fiber fabric was modified using a 6% sodium hydroxide solution for 12 hours. To determine the mechanical properties of the produced samples, two tensile and three-point bending tests were performed. The elastic modulus, yield stress, ultimate stress, elongation, and toughness were measured from the tensile test and were analyzed and investigated. The bending of the composite was obtained from the bending test. To determine the electrical properties of the composite, the dielectric constant test was performed using a network analyzer in the x band. The maximum tensile strength and Young's modulus obtained in this research are 8 MPa and 1.6 GPa respectively. The maximum dielectric constant and loss tangent of the produced samples in the x-band is equal to 3.48 and 0.24, respectively. Finally, to validate the results obtained in this research, the results of the tests have been compared with the results of other authorities in this field.