j m a t e r r e s t e c h n o l .

2 0 2 0; 9(6):14029–14035

Available online at www.sciencedirect.com

https://www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-materials-research-and-technology

Original Article

Acoustic and mechanical characterisation of

polypropylene composites reinforced by natural
fibres for automotive applications

K. Hariprasad a,∗ , K. Ravichandran b , V. Jayaseelan c , T. Muthuramalingam d

a Department of Mechanical Engineering, SriKrishna Institute of Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
b Department of Rubber and Plastics Technology, MIT Campus, Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
c Department of Mechanical Engineering, Prathyusha Engineering College, Chennai 602025, Tamil Nadu, India
d Department of Mechatronics Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, 603203, Tamil Nadu, India

a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t

Article history: In recent days, polymer composites reinforced with natural fiber had shown greater focus
Received 13 July 2020 and interest in the production of environmentally sustainable materials and in part in the
Accepted 27 September 2020 replacement of synthetic fibers commonly used in automotive applications. In this study,
Available online 9 October 2020 an attempt has been made to investigate the effect of natural fibers obtained for composite
preparation from milkweed, kusha grass, sisal, banana and hay mixed with polypropylene
Keywords: 10:90 (wt %). Mechanical properties such as tensile strength and hardness have been deter-
Polypropylene mined in accordance with ASTM standards. Water absorption studies have also been done
Natural fiber to investigate the water’s absorption ability. The acoustic characterization of these natural
Thickness reinforced fiber composites is measured by a thickness of 10 mm and 20 mm. The result
Acoustic. has shown that an increase in thickness is not effective at higher acoustic absorption fre-
quencies. Scanning electron microscope analyzes microstructures of milkweed fiber. These
results identify suitable materials for different mechanical and automotive applications.
© 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the
CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

are the major sources of noise generation that lead to noise

1. Introduction pollution. In general, the use of various machines and vehicles
leads to a substantial amount of noise pollution. Regulation in
Noise is an unpleasant sound which is considered annoying,
the generation of noise must be implemented urgently. It can
distracting or damaging to the ears. Daily exposure to exces-
be accomplished by eliminating noise-generating influences
sive levels of sound, called noise pollution, has detrimental
that tend to obstruct or drain the energy of the acoustic wave.
effects on all living organisms. Although the normal audible
Cover or exterior wrapping made of sound absorbing mate-
frequency varies from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, the range should
rial, usually non-biodegradable synthetic fibers, would be one
be 20 Hz–120 Hz for humans. Urbanization and modernisation
of the techniques to minimize noise used over the years. Tradi-

∗
Corresponding author.
E-mails: khprasad72@gmail.com (K. Hariprasad), ravi@mitindia.edu (K. Ravichandran), jaiseelanv@gmail.com (V. Jayaseelan),
muthu1060@gmail.com (T. Muthuramalingam).
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmrt.2020.09.112
2238-7854/© 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://
creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
14030 j m a t e r r e s t e c h n o l . 2 0 2 0;9(6 ):14029–14035
Fig. 1 – (a) Milkweed fiber, (b) Kusha grass fiber, (c) Sisal fiber, (d) Banana fiber, (e) Hay fiber.
tionally used materials besides sound absorption include glass
fabrics, polymer foams, fabric fillers, synthetic fibers, etc.,
all of which are non-biodegradable and cause environmen-
tal pollution during production and disposal. The discovery
of replacement, biodegradable material thus plays a vital role
in mitigating noise pollution. These biodegradable materials
absorb sound without causing damage to the environment [1].
In recent years, the researcher has turned his attention to nat-
ural fibers as reinforcements in composite matrices instead of
synthetic fibers. This enhances the mechanical properties of
composites without increasing the cost of automotive com-
ponents such as dashboard, car roof panels, door handles,
and vehicle door panels [2]. The recyclable property of natural
fibers specifically reduces the environmental load and there
is no need for a specific manufacturing cycle and chemicals
indirectly minimize harmful environmental impacts. Natu-
ral fiber properties consist of a large hydroxyl group which
produces hydrophilic properties and results in a very poor
interface and, in turn, leads to moisture absorption [3]. Nat-
ural fiber has the property of sound absorption that can
be obtained from various plants. They are also inexpensive,
biodegradable, recyclable and environmentally friendly mate-
rials. Noise reduction was accomplished through the use of
sound absorption materials in different industries. The pres-
ence of porosity and tortuosity in sound absorption materials
transforms the sound wave into thermal energy [4]. The noise
reduction method can be enhanced by better control of the
porous nature of the material. Sound quality attributes can
be improved by aligning the materials in thin layers. Tra-
ditional acoustic foams, however, consist of homogeneous
open cells, which make it difficult to grow thin foam lay-
ers [5]. Various designs have been studied in order to study
the acoustic behavior of sound absorbing materials. Measured
normal absorption coefficient for materials consisting of small
tubes with constant cross-sections to verify the effects of
sound absorption [6]. Nonwoven fibers, such as a mixture of
cotton and polyester, were beneficial for sound absorption
at higher frequencies, whereas the addition of acrylic and
polypropylene to these fibers improved acoustic performance
at lower frequencies [7]. The ratio of the fiber mixture greatly
influences the sound absorption coefficient and the perme-
ability of the air. The percentage of increased fiber in the
polyester-cotton-bicomponent mixture decreases the rate of
sound absorption. Similarly, multi-layer fiber nonwovens pro-
vide greater resistance to airflow than single-layer fiber [8].
Decreasing the fiber size also promotes the properties of sound
absorption. Date palm fiber (123 ␮m) has a sound absorption
coefficient higher than that of coconut fiber (252 ␮m) [9]. The
nature of the additional matrix of natural fiber composite
has increased the mass density, which is also responsible for
enhanced sound absorption [10]. Health risk factors associ-
ated with glass and mineral-based fiber-based products also
provide opportunities for the development of sound absorbing
materials based on natural fiber [11]. Sound absorption pan-
els produced from agricultural waste and industrial banana
fiber waste [12] are very useful for controlling noise pollution.
Banana stem fiber has become a strong moisture absorbent
with a high tensile strength as compared to coir fiber with
a semi-cellulose helix angle and a spiral angle of 11–12 and
40–47 with a fiber diameter of 100–200 ␮m and 100–500 ␮m,
respectively, used for fertilizer and chemical production [13].
Some development of inexpensive and durable soundproof-
ing materials with the aid of natural fibers with non-abrasive,
porous, strong insulating and hygroscopic properties would
be very useful for automobile, home appliances and archi-
tectural applications [14]. Solid and hollow fiber blends are
widely used for various applications in the aerospace, building
and furniture industries [15]. Nevertheless, in order to find a
solution for noise pollution, it is important to investigate the
use of milkweed fiber for sound absorbing applications [16].
Fiber treatment can compromise composite properties due
to microfibrillation or damage to fiber [17]. Mechanical prop-
erties, such as ultimate tensile strength and hardness, can
vary significantly based on the structure and chemical com-
position. Absorption of water in dry and wet environments
pertaining to the form of fiber, growing conditions, harvesting
time, treatment and storage procedures [18]. In this study, five
different natural fibers, including milkweed, kusha grass, sisal,
banana and hay, were proposed to enhance the mechanical,
water absorption and acoustic properties of the composite; to
investigate the development of sound proof material.
2. Materials and method
Fig. 1 shows the image of all natural fibers, while Tables 1 and 2
display the chemical properties and characteristics of natural
fibers. These fibers were extracted and dried from the corre-
sponding base raw material for 48 h, then cut into two mm in
length. Natural fiber was melted with PP at a weight percent-
age (10: 87 %) and as a compatibility agent for MAH-g-PP at 3 wt
% for the production of reinforced fiber composites [19]. The
melting process is carried out using a twin-screw extruder,
further worked at 10 zones and temperatures varying from
155 ◦ C to 190 ◦ C with extruder and pellet speeds of 140 rpm and
40 rpm respectively. The pelletizer works at a pneumatic pres-
sure of 5 bar. The composite material was obtained in granular
form and the composite granules were melted in injection
 j m a t e r r e s t e c h n o l . 2 0 2 0;9(6 ):14029–14035 14031

Fig. 2 – Natural fiber reinforced composite specimen for acoustic testing (a) Milkweed fiber, (b) Kusha grass fiber, (c) Sisal
fiber, (d) Banana fiber, (e) Hay fiber.

Table 1 – Natural fiber chemical properties.

Fiber Lignin (wt %) Ash Cellulose (wt %) Wax Moisture (wt %) Reference
(wt %) (wt %)

Milkweed 14 8.4 60 0.33 -0.40 2.26 [20]

Kusha grass 14.4 2.4 70.6 1.5 8 [21]
Sisal 9.9 – 65 0.5 2 [22]
Banana 5 – 83 – 10.71 [23]
Hay 8 8 25 – – [24]

Table 2 – Fibers characteristics.

Fiber Diameter Average Length (mm) Density Strength (g/tex) Fineness (␮m) Elongation Reference
(␮m) (g/cm3 ) (%)

Milkweed 21.29 35 0.97 23 2.4 6.0 [20]

Kush grass 320.47 37 1.1 1.38 8−10 2.35 [21]
Sisal 2–20 300 1.28−14.2 1.2 252 18.2 [22]
Banana 10−35 80−400 1.321 22.4 13.35 19.7 [23]
Hay 18 10.5 0.89 1.75 4.2 5.5 [24]

molding at a temperature of 200oC below a load of 1500 kg 2.1. Effects of fibers on Acoustic test
in order to produce the required sample for the experiments.
Tensile samples were prepared and tested using the ␣ represents the amount of sound absorbed by the material
ASTM D638-Standard test procedure with a sample scale of in accordance with the wave frequency of the amplifier in the
165 × 19 × 3 mm for each composite material. For the test tests, supporting role-played by the oscilloscope. Each specimen was
a cross-head speed of 50 mm / min and a measuring length tested at four different frequency ranges from 500 Hz–2000 Hz.
of 57 mm were used [25]. Micro hardness tester for ASTM The amount of sound received by the sample fiber was calcu-
D2240 used for the hardness test of each specimen. The spec- lated by Eq.s 2 and 3 [26].
imen used for the water absorption test is 62 × 62 × 1 mm, as
described in ASTM D570, and is immersed in distilled water for ␣ = Ii /Ir = [Pi 2 -P r 2 ]/Pi 2 = 1-R2 = 1-(n-1/n + 1)2 = 4n/(1 + n)2 (2)
240 h and then measured. The acoustic specimens were pre-
pared using the injection molding process for all five natural n = Pmax /Pmin (3)
fiber composites shown in Fig. 2. Microstructure character-
ization of milkweed fiber was studied by scanning electron Where,
microscope. Ii - Intensities of the incident waves
Based on the experimental study, an acoustic test was con- Ir - Intensities of the reflected waves
ducted to further determine the sound absorption coefficient Pmax - Maximum sound wave pressure
of natural fiber reinforced composites with varying thick- Pmin - Minimum sound wave pressure
nesses using the ASTM E1050-10 two-microphone transfer Pi - Pressure of incident waves
function method. The loudspeaker is mounted on the left side Pr - Pressure of reflected waves
of the impedance tube and the specimen is mounted on the n - Standing wave ratio
right side. The loudspeaker develops broadband data, gener- R- Reflectance factor
ates acoustic waves and spreads like flat waves in the pipeline, As a precise reading of the strain, mostly on the oscil-
reaching the specimen. The reflected sound intensity can be loscope, could not be accomplished, a wireless voltmeter
determined at two fixed locations by a two-channel optical parallel to the oscilloscope was installed. The maximum
frequency analyser. The frequency range available depends and minimum voltage measured on the oscilloscope screen
based on the thickness of the tube and the distance between should be the corresponding maximum and minimum pres-
the two locations of the microphone. Arrangement for the sure. Vmax / Vmin should also be used in the equation instead
impedance tube as shown in Fig. 3. of Pmax / Pmin .
14032 j m a t e r r e s t e c h n o l . 2 0 2 0;9(6 ):14029–14035
Fig. 3 – Impedance tube.
Fig. 4 – Tensile strength variation of natural fiber reinforced
Composite.
3. Results and discussion
3.1. Effects of fibers on Tensile strength
As seen in Fig. 4, the tensile strength of natural fiber com-
posites with various fiber composites was higher compared to
unreinforced PP. Study demonstrates that polymer composites
reinforced with hay fiber have a greater mechanical strength
than other natural fiber composites [27]. Natural composites
can be produced by reinforcing bio-based polymers with nat-
ural hydrophilic fibers. Maximum resistance to absorption of
moisture at the fiber-matrix interface can be obtained when
hydrophilic natural fibers are used to strengthen biopolymers
due to the high degree of stability between them [28]. As a
result, the use of hay in composites would increase the ten-
sile strength to a higher level, whereas reinforcements such
as milkweed fiber composite, kusha grass fiber composite [29]
and sisal fiber composite have greatly increased the tensile
strength of PP.
3.2. Effects of fibers on hardness
The hardness of the composite natural fiber specimen was
tested using a durometer instrument. A constant load of 60 kg
was maintained for all specimens and the hardness of each
type was obtained. The hardness value of the PP composite
is 73. Milkweed fiber composite and kusha grass fiber com-
posite have significantly higher hardness of all specimens.
Fig. 5 indicates the hardness values of natural fiber reinforced
composites.
Fig. 5 – Variation in hardness value of natural fiber
reinforced composite.
Fig. 6 – Percentage of water absorption.
3.3. Effects of fibers on Water absorption capacity
The weight of the specimen before and after treatment with
water can be determined and the percentage of water absorp-
tion of each type of specimen was calculated [30] by Eq. 1.
Variation in the water absorption is seen in Fig. 6. The kusha
grass fiber [31] absorbs more water, and the milkweed fiber
absorbs less water, although the use of milkweed fiber was
better among all.
Percentageofwaterabsorption = [(Ww -Wd )/Wd ]x100 (1)
Where, Ww - Wet weight; and Wd - Dried weight.
3.4. Acoustic absorption of 10 mm thick specimen
The sound absorption coefficient for both PP and natural fiber
reinforced composites at 500 Hz–2000 Hz and the test results
as shown in Fig. 7. At 500 Hz frequency, the ␣ value lies less
than 0.30 for all the types of specimens including PP. Simi-
larly, at 2000 Hz frequency the ␣ value lies in between 0.87
to 0.96 i.e. the increase in frequency increases the ␣. There
is a similar pattern in the remaining two frequencies. The PP
has a lower sound absorption coefficient of 500 Hz and 1000 Hz
wheras increased values at higher frequencies. The inclusion
of natural fiber in the PP tends to improve the ␣. Out of all five
types of natural fibers, the milkweed fiber and sisal fiber spec-
imens show a steady increase in ␣ value. Whereas hay fiber
 j m a t e r r e s t e c h n o l . 2 0 2 0;9(6 ):14029–14035 14033

Fig. 7 – Sound absorption coefficient on acoustic test of 10 mm thick specimen.

Fig. 8 – Absorption coefficient on acoustic test of 20 mm Fig. 9 – Variation in change in sound absorption coefficient
thick specimen. with thickness.

mixed composite could absorb more than 1500 Hz compared

to other fibers. The response of kusha grass fiber and banana
fiber mixed composite to acoustic absorption is lower than
that of milkweed fiber and sisal fiber. From this test, either
milkweed fiber or sisal fiber can be used as a PP reinforcement
for better sound absorption.
3.5. Acoustic absorption of 20 mm thick specimen
The acoustic absorption test is repeated by increasing the sam-
ple thickness by 20 mm, and ␣ of each type as seen in Fig. 8.
Observation from 20 mm samples indicates that there is an
unusual trend of sound absorption coefficient as contrasted
to that of 10 mm specimens. The PP analysis also showed a
steady increase in the acoustic absorption value for all four
frequencies. From this study, only milkweed and hay display a
steady increase in the value from 500 Hz–2000 Hz. The remain-
ing three forms have an uneven response to an change in
frequency from 500 Hz–2000 Hz. Milkweed fiber samples have
a maximum value of 500–1000 Hz and attain a peak value of
2000 Hz and gives the porosity factor prevailing in the samples,
14034 j m a t e r r e s t e c h n o l . 2 0 2 0;9(6 ):14029–14035

Fig. 10 – Milkweed fiber a) Longitudinal b) Cross-sectional morphologies.

due to chemical treatment the surface quantity is rough when (b) demonstrate the longitudinal and cross-sectional surface
interacting with reinforcement, in the mid-frequency range morphology of a milkweed fiber. The fibers seem to be smooth,
banana fiber and kusha grass fiber achieves higher efficiency and the length of the fibers is not crimped. As can be seen in
due to its enhanced characterisation. the image, the fibers do have solid textures which are often
cylindrical. The fibers were also hollow in nature, and the pro-
3.6. Thickness effect on acoustic absorption portion of the hollow area to the fiber area was significant.
Overall, milkweed has an unique morphology which is com-
The effect of increased thickness on the sound absorption monly used for natural cellulose fibres. The use of milkweed
coefficient of this natural fiber-reinforced composite is deter- fiber would also be more acceptable.
mined from the final acoustic absorption values for each
specimen. The percentage change in acoustic absorption of
4. Conclusions
each form at a comparable frequency is measured as seen in
Fig. 9. The percentage change as in the sound absorption coef-
Mechanical and acoustic examination of different PP rein-
ficient has been a decreasing trend to raise the frequency of all
forced natural fibers is obtained and compared.
types of specimens from 500 Hz–2000 Hz. Improving the acous-
tic absorption of the PP specimen gradually decreases. It shows
• The use of hay in composite would increase the tensile
that the thickness of the PP has a significant effect on lower
capacity to a higher level, while reinforcements such as
frequencies. The study of milkweed fiber reveals an almost
milkweed fiber, kusha grass and sisal fiber would signifi-
similar trend of change in acoustic absorption to that of PP
cantly improve the tensile strength of PP.
due to the propagation of sound waves into porous materials,
• The PP hardness value is 73, Milkweed fiber composite and
the propagation into air cavities and the loss of energy due to
kusha grass fiber composite have significantly higher hard-
vibrations as heat [32]. Milkweed fiber composite has a porous
ness of all specimens.
structure with air cavities known to be ideal for absorbing
• The kusha grass fiber absorbs more water and the milkweed
sound waves.
fiber absorbs less water. The use of milkweed fiber would be
Although hay fiber composite has a positive effect and all
more appropriate.
other types display a negative change with an rise in frequency
• For a 10 mm thick specimen, ␣ is less than 0.30 and between
from 500 Hz–2000 Hz. Despite a lower frequency of 500 Hz, all
0.87 and 0.96 is 500 Hz and 2000 Hz, respectively. At a sample
specimens capable of processing more sound with an increase
thickness of 20 mm, only milkweed fiber and hay show a
in thickness occur at a frequency of 1000 Hz, with exception
constant increase in the value from 500 Hz–2000 Hz.
of banana fiber composites. A further change in frequency has
• Comparing these two thicknesses, the use of natural fiber
led to a decrease in the percentage of sound absorption coeffi-
at 500 Hz is efficient. The change has a minimal variation
cients. The shift has a minimum variance of ± 0.25 at 1500 Hz
of ± 0.25 at 1500 Hz and a frequency of 2000 Hz. As a result,
and 2000 Hz. Therefore, at higher frequencies, the increase in
the rise in thickness of acoustic absorption is not effective
acoustic absorption thickness has compact materials reflect-
at higher frequency.
ing the sound waves.
• From these properties, the selection of an appropriate com-
bination of different fiber reinforced composite can be
3.7. Microstructure characterization identified for various applications.

The micro structural analysis of polymer matrix composites

can be effectively analyzed using scanning electron micro- Conflicts of interest
scope (SEM) based investigation [33,34]. It had analyzed the
properties of the extracted milkweed fiber. Figs. 10 (a) and The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
 j m a t e r r e s t e c h n o l . 2 0 2 0;9(6 ):14029–14035
Acknowledgements
We would like to acknowledge Professor Dr P. Chandramouli,
Department of Acoustics, Machine Design Section IIT Madras
for providing the lab facilities for this work.
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