Recycling of industrial waste based on jute fiber-polypropylene: Manufacture of sustainable fiber-reinforced polymer composites and their characterization before and after accelerated aging

Abstract This paper addresses the recycling of an industrial waste of jute (Corchoruscapsularis) and polypropylene fibers from Tapetes Sao Carlos carpet manufacturer conducted through the manufacture of composite materials and use of polypropylene (PP), a compatibilizer (C), and nano-calcium carbonate (N). The components were mixed in a co-rotational twin-screw extruder and dumbbell-shaped specimens were produced by injection molding. A masterbatch was previously processed for improving N dispersion in the polymer matrix. The composites were exposed to accelerated aging and tested by tensile and contact angle measurements, and evaluated by visual appearance before and after accelerated aging. The morphological evaluation was conducted by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The processing techniques used provided composites with 50 wt.% waste, good N dispersion, no thermal or mechanical degradation of fibers, and better mechanical properties than pure PP. The presence of industrial waste led to a 135 % improvement in the elastic modulus of PP matrix and decreased deformation at break from 435 % to 5 %.N acted as mechanical reinforcement and decreased wettability. 18 % and 16 % improvements were achieved in the elastic modulus of the matrix when N was incorporated through the masterbatch and by direct extrusion, respectively. The composite processed after the manufacture of the masterbatch and with no compatibilizer showed a 186 % improvement in the elastic modulus of the matrix, lowest wettability, and best average performance under accelerated aging. Accelerated aging promotes a small reduction in stiffness, but a drastic dropping in the elongation of the materials. The composites can potentially be used in several commercial applications due to their properties and processing flexibility, which are relevant from both sustainable and economic viewpoints.