Preparation and studies of pigeon pea stalk/polypropylene composites with and without compatibilizer

The pigeon pea stalk (PS) is an agricultural by-product. In this article, we have studied its potential as natural fibers to be utilized in polypropylene (PP) composite preparation. The mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of the PP/PS composites with and without compatibilizer have been investigated. The maleic anhydride grafted PP was used as the compatibilizer. The morphological study showed a better dispersion of stalk fibers in the matrix with the addition of compatibilizer. An increase in the mechanical properties and thermal stability of the composites was observed with the addition of PS fiber to PP. The X-ray diffraction results confirmed the beta crystalline phase in the composites