Mechanical,morphological and electrical insulation properties of alkali-treated palm kernel shell particles reinforced polypropylene composite developed for industrial applications

This study examined the mechanical, morphological, and electrical insulation properties of alkali-treated palm kernel shell particles reinforced polypropylene (PKSPRPP) developed for industrial applications. The palm kernel shell particles (PKSP) were subjected to alkali treatment, washed, dried, crushed, and sieved to a fine particle size. Compression molding was utilized to create untreated and treated composite samples with a PKSP size of 53 μm and filler contents of 10, 20, and 30 wt%. Polypropylene was the matrix utilized. While resistivity and dielectric strength tests were utilized to ascertain the electrical qualities, tensile and hardness tests were conducted in accordance with ASTM standards. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction were used to examine the functional and the crystallinity characteristics of PKSP, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy was utilized to investigate the morphology of the composite samples. The results showed that alkali treatment removed the impurities in the filler and enhanced the adhesion between PKSP and PP. The chemically treated PKSPRPP had better morphological, mechanical, and electrical insulation properties than the untreated PKSRPP composites. This study concludes that alkali-treated PKSPRPP is a valuable material for polymer composite applications, as can be seen in its good mechanical and electrical properties, and can be considered for electrical insulation coating and piping applications.