Influence of compatibilization treatments on the mechanical properties of fique fiber reinforced polypropylene composites

Fique fibers reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites have been investigated for different fiber lengths and contents. Fiber/matrix interfacial adhesion has been modified by fiber treatments such as mercerization, esterification with maleic anhydride, and adding of an isocyanate compound. A copolymer of polypropylene with maleic anhydride has been employed as compatibilizer agent, by previous mixing with PP matrix. Both compatibilization ways improve fiber/matrix adhesion, as shown by changes of the free surface energy of fibers and also by SEM analysis. Addition of the compatibilizer agent leads to higher flexural properties than those obtained for composites where the fibers were treated. Dynamical mechanical properties of composites seem to indicate that movement in the crystalline PP phase, possibly occurring on the fiber/matrix interphase, takes place in between the glass transition and the melting temperatures of PP matrix.