Preparation and Properties of Waste Polypropylene/ Bamboo Fiber Composite

Abstract

With the continuous increase of waste PP plastics, how to recycle and reuse waste PP has become particularly important. In this study, waste PP and bamboo fiber (BF) were used as raw materials. The effects of bamboo fiber mesh size, bamboo fiber content, and hot-pressing process parameters (temperature, pressure, and time) on the physical and mechanical properties of waste PP/BF composites were systematically optimized through single-factor and orthogonal experiments. Composites prepared with 60 to 80 mesh bamboo fiber at 55% to 65% content exhibited the best physical and mechanical properties. The critical factors affecting the elastic modulus and bending strength were bamboo fiber content and hot-pressing temperature, while bamboo  fiber content, hot-pressing temperature, and time had the greatest influence on the 72 h water absorption. The optimized process parameters were bamboo fiber content of 55%, hot-pressing temperature of 200 °C, hot-pressing pressure of 0.9 MPa, and hot-pressing time of 17.5 min. Under these conditions, the composite met the requirements of GB/T 29500 (2013) standard. Further research is needed to optimize performance for outdoor applications.