Gamma-irradiated jute/polypropylene composites by extrusion molding

Tanzina Huqab, Avik Khanab, Farah M.J. Hossainb, Tahmina Akterb, Haydar U. Zamana, Nousin Aktarb, Mohammad O. Tuhinb, Tuhidul Islambc & Ruhul A. Khana* a Nuclear and Radiation Chemistry Division, Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission , P.O. Box 3787, Dhaka , Bangladesh b Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering , Dhaka University , Dhaka , 1000 , Bangladesh c Department of Biochemical Engineering , Jacobs University , Bremen , Germany * E-mail: dr.ruhul_khan@yahoo.com Short jute fiber reinforced polypropylene (PP)-based partially biodegradable composites (5–30 wt.% fiber) were prepared by extrusion followed by compression molding process. Short jute fibers acted as potential reinforcing agents for PP matrix. Tensile strength, bending strength, tensile modulus, bending modulus, and elongation at break of the composites (20% jute) were found to be 27 MPa, 36 MPa, 0.74 GPa, 2.4 GPa, and 78%, respectively. The prepared composites (20% fiber) were exposed to gamma radiation (2.5–10 kGy). The irradiated (5 kGy) composites (20% jute) gained significantly higher strength and modulus than un-irradiated composites. Six months soil degradation tests revealed that irradiated composites retained much of its mechanical properties than their control counterpart composites. A reaction mechanism was proposed between jute and PP due to irradiation treatment. Surface and interface morphologies of the composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy.