Development of Recycled Polypropylene Matrix Composites Reinforced with Fly Ash

Utilization of recycled polypropylene obtained from post-consumer products and fly ash particles, obtained as a by-product from thermal power plants, has environmental as well as economical benefits for society. A valuable addition can be made to these waste materials by converting them into composite materials. In this study, an attempt has been made to develop a composite material from RPP and fly ash in 1 : 1 weight ratio, using two types of coupling agents. A silane coupling agent (VTMO) and a maleated polypropylene (Epolene G 3003) were used as the coupling agents. The composites were characterized for their flexural properties, water absorption behavior, and thermal degradation behavior. There was a significant improvement in properties when VTMO was used as the coupling agent compared to Epolene.