Degradation study of date palm fibre/polypropylene composites in natural and artificial weathering: mechanical and thermal analysis

Date palm leaves were compounded with polypropylene (PP) and UV stabilizers to form composite materials. The stability of the composites in natural weathering conditions of Saudi Arabia and in accelerated weathering conditions was investigated. The composites were found to be much more stable than PP under the severe natural weathering conditions of Saudi Arabia and in accelerated weathering trials. Compatibilized samples are generally less stable than uncompatibilized ones as a result of the lower stability of the maleated polypropylene. Irgastab and Tinuvin are found to be efficient stabilizers for PP/cellulose fibre composites. In addition to enhanced stability imparted by the presence of the fibres in the composites, enhanced interfacial adhesion resulting from oxidation of the polymer matrix can be the source of retention of mechanical strength. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.