Effect of abaca short fiber-nano SiC ceramic/epoxy actions on functional and water absorption behaviour of polypropylene composites

Currently, the production of polypropylene (PP) hybrid composite is composed of 5 wt% abaca fiber (AF) treated with amino silane, 1–5 wt% silicon carbide (SiC) nanoparticles, and epoxy resin, prepared via hand layup followed by a hot compression mould technique. This research could minimize the hydrophilic nature of natural fibers through chemical surface treatment and increase the functional characteristics of the composites by combining the treated fiber/SiC nanoparticles. The effect of treated AF/SiC nanoparticles on mechanical (charpy impact toughness, tensile strength, and microhardness), moisture absorption, and surface morphology of the PP and its composites is investigated as per the ASTM test standard. The result showed that the PP composite containing 5 wt% AF and 5 wt% nano-sized SiC demonstrated superior performance, exhibiting higher Charpy impact toughness, optimum tensile strength, improved microhardness, and reduced moisture absorption. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis confirmed the uniform dispersion and strong interfacial bonding of AF and SiC within the PP matrix.