About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2026 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
2026 Technical Division Student Poster Contest
|
| Presentation Title |
SPU-33: Viability and Impacts of Additives in Automotive Pulp Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene Composites |
| Author(s) |
Jocelyn M. Hess, Cecile Grubb, Matthew Valderama, David Keffer, David Harper |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Jocelyn M. Hess |
| Abstract Scope |
Paper fiber-reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites offer a low-carbon footprint alternative to the currently used talc-filled plastics for automotive interiors, but their broader adoption is limited by insufficient thermomechanical performance. This work investigates the role of three selected additives, chosen based on prior research, in enhancing composite viability by improving compatibility between PP and natural fibers, improving thermal stability, and reducing processing temperature. PP formulations were compounded with varying amounts of malleated-polypropylene, antioxidants, and nucleating agents. PP formulations were melt-spun, cut, combined with bleached softwood kraft pulp fibers in an aqueous suspension, and formed into composite mats using a wet vacuum forming process. The resulting composites were characterized using thermal analysis, moisture, and mechanical testing to evaluate the combined influence of the additives on material performance. Preliminary results show reduced processing temperatures and oxidation. These findings provide insight into strategies for improving the functionality of sustainable paper fiber-PP composites for automotives. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Undecided |
| Keywords |
Composites, Polymers, Sustainability |