MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF POLYPROPYLENE PLASTELIZED BY CHLOROPHYLL

Abstract

There are many of industrial plasticizers materials used to improve mechanical properties of polypropylene. In this study chlorophyll, natural pigment is used. Its eco – friend and not toxic material, extracted from plants. The chlorophyll, natural pigment is extracted and mixed with polypropylene with following weight percentages (0.0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0), then extruded as a sheet by screw extrusion machine. The mechanical properties of specimens are examined by mechanical testing, such as (Tensile test, Impact test).

The results showed improvements in mechanical properties of polypropylene plasticized by chlorophyll. Where it gives ultimate tensile strength of (32.64, 33.972, 44.63, 40.633, 33.306, and 45.962) Mpa, the modulus of elasticity of (439.27, 1040, 1195.63, 700, 1785, and1525) Mpa, the maximum elongation % at fracture of (24.46, 16.182, 19.632, 61.584, 17.587, and 12.121) mm/mm %, and impact strength of (0.1, 0.2, 0.25, 0.355, 0.24, and 0.2) Joule, respectively with each chlorophyll addition weight percent wt%.

The polypropylene blend consisting chlorophyll of 0.5 wt % presents significant improvements of mechanical properties, high ductility,  and impact strength, suitable ultimate strength, and modulus of elasticity.