Effect of Independent Variables on Mechanical Properties and Maximization of Aspen-Polypropylene Composites.

Study on the effect of concentration of maleated polypropylene (MAPP), dicumyl peroxide (DCP), nanoclay (NC), and aspen fiber loading on the mechanical properties of Aspen-PP composites has been undertaken with the objective to protect or increase the impact strength without losing or weakening the tensile strength. The central composite design of Statgraphic plus is used to determine the optimum concentration of additives and to maximize both the impact as well as tensile strength properties to be superior to that of pure PP. Finally, the material price of PP composites with an optimal composition of filler (aspen fiber and NC), coupling agent (MAPP), and initiator (DCP) is compared to that of pure PP and PP reinforced with glass fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]