Mechanical Properties of Ramie Fabric Reinforced Polypropylene Composites

Ramie fibre has been widely utilized, particularly in the textile industry. The application of Ramie fabric-based composites has been increasingly favored for the fabrication of lightweight structures and high-performance products. Polypropylene (PP) is commonly used to reinforce natural fibres due to its superior physical, mechanical, and thermal properties. Proper treatment of ramie fabric is crucial to ensure strong bonding between the ramie and polypropylene (PP). Alkali treatment is commonly employed to address bonding issues. In this study, ramie fabric was treated using different concentrations (5 wt%, 16.7 wt%, 28.6 wt%, and 37.5 wt%) and durations (30 minutes, 1 hour, 20 hours, and 24 hours). Subsequently, a compression molding process was employed to manufacture both the lamina and laminate. The lamina was exposed to a temperature of 170°C and a pressure of 100 kg/cm 3 for three minutes, while the laminate was subjected to a temperature of 170°C and a pressure of 210 kg/cm 3 for seven minutes. The results revealed an increase in tensile strength compared to pure PP tests. The single and five-layered composites showing an increase of 1.65% and 2.79%, respectively. The optimal tensile strength reached by five-layered composite was 25.82 MPa. Despite the increased strength, fibre failure occurred due to swelling. The occurrence of fibre failure and increased strength when transformed into a composite highlights the potential for further improvement of ramie fabric and polypropylene.