Some aspects of the development of oat husks containing polypropylene composites.

Polypropylene (PP) composites with lignocellulosic fibers are investigated. Oat husks and wood flour are compared in respect to their chemical composition. Grinding protocol for development of lignocellulosic filler from oat husks has been evaluated. Reinforcement efficiency of oat husks derived filler is compared with wood flour reference. PP composites with wood flour or oat husks reinforcement are manufactured by melt compounding. Thermal and flexural properties of PP composites are investigated. It is observed that thermogravimetric behavior of oat husks reinforced PP composite is similar to that of wood flour reinforced system. Oat husks derived lignocellulosic fibers and wood flour both can be used to improve flexural modulus and maximal flexural strength of PP, although the modifying effect of the latter is somewhat greater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]