Influence of film former type and fiber length on processing and properties of sisal fiber reinforced polypropylene

The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of the film former type applied on a sisal yarn prior to cutting on the processability of said cut fibers. Furthermore, the effects of the film former on the mechanical properties of the prepared composites are also investigated. We found, that it is possible to use different film formers for producing dosable fiber bundles. Furthermore, the type of film former shows an influence on the processability as well as on the mechanical properties of the composites. Although a reduction can be found in few properties, the use of a film former enables the dosing of fiber lengths on standard equipment, which are not processable if unsized.