Properties and Performance of Kapok (Ceiba pentandra) and Balsa (Ochroma pyramidale) Fibers/Polypropylene Composites

Abstract

The possibility of utilization of the fibres made from kapok and balsa fruit fiber as reinforcement in polyester matrix composite was evaluated. The various composite formulations were prepared using 0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10% fibres as the reinforcement. Tensile properties determination was performed with a Shimadzu Autograph AG-IS 1 kN (Japan) according to ASTM D882-75b at crosshead speed of 50 mm/min. Modulus of elasticity and elongation at break of the polypropilene resin matrix composite increase with the amount of kapok and balsa fibre up to a certain threshold and then begins to reduce with further increase in the amount of fibres. It was concluded that the kapok and balsa fibres are providing a reinforcement effect in polypropilene matrix composites.