Development and Mechanical Behaviour Analysis of Human Hair Fibre-Reinforced Polypropylene Composites

Abstract

In recent years, natural bio-fibres have attracted considerable attention from researchers, engineers, and scientists as
potential alternatives to synthetic reinforcements in fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. Their low cost, acceptable
mechanical properties, lightweight nature, and favourable aspect ratio make them promising reinforcement materials. In India,
approximately three to four tonnes of human hair waste are generated annually, creating significant environmental disposal
challenges. Therefore, utilizing waste human hair fibres as reinforcement in polymer composites provides an opportunity for
sustainable material development and value-added applications.
In this study, polypropylene (PP)-based composites were developed using waste human hair fibres as reinforcement. The human hair
fibres were incorporated into the polypropylene matrix at different weight fractions of 3%, 5%, 10%, and 15% using a two-roll mill
mixing process. The prepared composites were subsequently fabricated through compression moulding under controlled temperature
and processing time conditions. The results indicated that the incorporation of human hair fibres improved the flexural and impact
strength of the polypropylene composites compared with neat PP. However, the tensile strength of the hair fibre-reinforced
polypropylene composites showed a reduction compared with pure polypropylene.