Effect of Metal Oxides on the Odor and Physical Properties of Polypropylene/Bamboo Fiber Composite

Copper oxide and manganese oxide, which are a kind of metal oxide catalyst, are melt-mixed using a twin screw extruder in a PP/BF composite to reduce the odor generated during the production of polypropylene (PP)/bamboo fiber (BF) composites. Olfactometry evaluation was performed to determine the odor level when copper and manganese oxide were applied to PP/BF composites alone or in combination. Component analysis was performed by GC-MS and electronic nose. In particular, the principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted for furfural and major organic compounds, which are known as major odor components of bamboo fiber composites. In addition, the effect of the application of metal oxides on the mechanical properties such as tensile, flexural, and impact properties of PP/BF composites was investigated.