Processing and modeling of the mechanical behavior of natural fiber thermoplastic composite: Flax/polypropylene

A proposed modeling approach to calculate the mechanical properties of thermoplastic matrices reinforced with natural fibers is suggested. This model aims to solve the great deviation trends observed in the fiber content especially out of the range 10–40% volume fraction v_f. The model considers the transfer of fiber load hand over from fibers pull out to fiber load bearing. Different cases of the matrices are studied. Namely, matrix with either elastic or elastic plastic behavior, matrix with either brittle or ductile failure strain in comparison with the reinforcing fiber. Length and orientation efficiency factors for stiffness and strength are exploited. Another factor describing the even distribution of the fibers and the amount of corresponding matrix in adhesion is developed. This factor gives insight to the compounding process. Experimental plan is carried out to investigate the fiber loading of 0–50% v_f and different matrices namely polypropylene PP and maleated anhydride polypropylene MAPP. The suggested model is tested versus both the current experimental data and the literature results. The model shows good matching with the experimental results in a big domain of the fiber v_f. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Polypropylene/low density polyethylene blend matrices and short glass fibers based composites. I. Mechanical degradation of fibers as a function of processing method

The fiber length degradation during compounding (two-roll milling and twin-screw extrusion) of glass fiber and polypropylene (PP)/low density polyethylene (LDPE) blend matrices based composites was investigated. The effect of LDPE percentage and fiber content on fiber length were studied using a semiautomatic image analysis system. Two-roll milling causes a more severe attrition of the fibers than twin-screw extrusion. In the first case, the higher the LDPE percentage in the polymer matrix, the larger the final fiber length. Both methods lead to a broader fiber length distribution as LDPE percentage increases. The effect of fiber content is opposite to that of the LDPE percentage, but in the case of twin-screw extrusion it is less noticeable, During the injection molding of the composites a slight decrease of the final fiber length takes place. This decrease depends on the initial fiber length, the effect being more pronounced for longer fibers.     

Influence of functionalized polyolefin on interfacial adhesion of glass fiber‐reinforced polypropylene

Several types of functionalized polyolefins, grafted with maleic anhydride, were synthesized and used to modify the surface of fiberglass in reinforced polypropylene composites. The influence of maleated polyolefin, matrix, and compounding conditions on the interfacial bonding strength of composite were studied by measuring interfacial shear strength. The results showed that strong interactions, e.g., chemical bonding, were formed between maleated polyolefin and fiber surface. When the modified fibers were compounded with polypropylene, firm entanglements of molecular chain were formed due to the segmental interdiffusion between maleated polyolefin and matrix polypropylene. As a result, the degree of fiber‐matrix adhesion was improved. The extent of such improvement depended on the grafting degree, chain length of maleated polyolefin, and the compatibility between maleated polyolefin and matrix resin. At the same time, the compounding temperature and the cooling procedure affected the interfacial adhesion too. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 76: 1359–1365, 2000     

Microstructure and properties of CNTs reinforced CVI-pyrocarbon matrix

Pyrocarbon (PyC) matrices were prepared in two kinds of quartz fiber preforms by chemical vapor infiltration (CVI), and then the fibers were leached by HF. Effects of CNTs on the microstructures and mechanical properties of the quartz fiber reinforced carbon composites and PyC matrices, as well as the interface behaviors of the fiber reinforced composites, were discussed. Randomly oriented CNTs reinforced PyC micro-composites account for the pseudo ISO structure and contribute to the mechanical properties of the PyC matrix. Relative strength between reinforcement and matrix and interface bonding significantly affect the mechanical behaviors of the quartz fiber reinforced pyrocarbon composites: Quartz fiber with low strength and strong interface bonding result in limited strengthening effect on flexural strength of the fiber reinforced composite; low strength unidirectional quartz fiber and weak interface bonding in a much stronger matrix result in limited strengthening effect on tensile strength of the composite.     

基体树脂对长玻璃纤维增强PP力学性能的影响

采用在线混合设备制备了长玻璃纤维(LGF)增强聚丙烯(PP)复合材料(LGF-PP),研究了基体性质及界面相容剂对LGF-PP力学性能的影响。基体树脂熔体流动速率的增加,使最终LGF-PP中的玻璃纤维长度从5.63 mm增至8.56 mm,提高了力学性能。与均聚PP比较,以共聚PP为基体树脂的LGF-PP冲击强度高出约10%,但其他性能略差。界面相容剂有利于增强玻璃纤维与PP的界面结合,拉伸强度和拉伸模量明显增加,但是冲击强度降低了20%～30%。     

Reprocessing of fiberglass reinforced polyamide 66: Influence on short term properties

The fiber length distribution was found to control the overall short term performance of reprocessed heat-stabilized short fiberglass reinforced polyamide 66. Length changes, and matrix and interface degradation were studied. Fiber shortening dominates during compounding and during the first injection molding cycle. Further regrinding and remolding has a lesser effect. The short term mechanical strength decreased for reprocessed samples. Using a modified Kelly-Tyson model, the lower tensile strength of reprocessed samples, compared with virgin samples, can be explained by fiber shortening. Reprocessing had a negligible effect on the strength for both the fiber matrix interface and the matrix of this system. Studies on unreinforced samples confirmed that thermal degradation of the matrix during reprocessing had a negligible effect on short term mechanical performance.     

Preparation and characterization of functionalized low density polyethylene matrix biocomposites

The incorporation of cellulosic fibers into polyethylene matrices was studied in this work, by dispersion of fluff pulp from maritime pine in a hot polymer solution, followed by co‐precipitation of the solid components by cooling at room temperature. The above method was found suitable for proper wetting and dispersion of fibers in the polymeric matrix, as compared with melt compounding. Unmodified low density polyethylene [LDPE], modified LDPE with maleic anhydride grafted linear low density polyethylene [M‐LLDPE] and a copolymer of acrylic acid and n‐butyl acrylate polyethylene [(AA/n‐BA)‐LDPE], were used as matrices for the preparation of fiber reinforced composites. The thermal properties of these composites were determined using differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The incorporation of cellulosic fibers results in a decrease of the crystallinity of the polymer matrix, as they act as inert material. In addition, the appropriate tests were run in order to determine the density and tensile properties of the composite specimens prepared by compression molding, with filler content ranging from 10 to 40% (w/w). Composites based on modified LDPE showed improved mechanical properties. The Takayanagi model, applied to predict the Young's modulus of composites, was in very good agreement with the experimental data obtained in this work. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Polymerization compounding of HDPE/Kevlar composites. I. Morphology and mechanical properties

The aim of this work is to perform the polymerization compounding to improve the properties of Kevlar/PE composites. The approach consists in involving the surface of a reinforcement in a polymerization process of a polymer to be used either as a matrix in the final composite or as a special surface treatment to enhance solid/polymer interface properties in the composite. The polymerization compounding process is illustrated here with the polyaramid fibers as reinforcements and polyethylene as a matrix. The number of active sites on the fiber surface, initially insufficient to anchor the catalyst, were increased by a hydrolysis reaction prior to the polymerization. The anchored catalyst was subsequently used to conduct the Ziegler–Natta polymerization reaction of ethylene. The modified fibers were incorporated into the polyethylene resin to produce composites at fiber concentrations as high as 15 wt%. The morphology of the fibers and the composites was tested using electron microscopy. Finally, the mechanical properties of the composites (in impact and tensile tests) were measured to characterize the properties of model composites. Polym. Compos. 27:129–137, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers.     

A review on interface modification and characterization of natural fiber reinforced plastic composites

An Important aspect with respect to optimal mechanical performance of fiber reinforced composites in general and durability in particular is the optimization of the interfacial bond between fiber and polymer matrix. The quality of the fiber‐matrix interface is significant for the application of natural fibers as reinforcement for plastics. Since the fibers and matrices are chemically different, strong adhesion at their interfaces is needed for an effective transfer of stress and bond distribution throughout an Interface. A good compatibilization between cellulose fibers and non‐polar matrices is achieved from polymeric chains that will favor entanglements and interdiffiusion with the matrix. This article gives a critical review on the physical and chemical treatment methods that improve the fiber‐matrix adhesion and their characterization methods.     

复合材料用天然植物纤维改性研究进展

天然植物纤维的结构和性能独特,与树脂基体复合仍存在诸多问题。天然植物纤维改性对于提高反应活性、改善其与基体树脂的界面相容性及复合材料的综合性能有重要影响。从天然植物纤维原料的组成、结构及性能分析出发,重点介绍了蒸汽爆破预处理、热预处理、高能辐射预处理、碱预处理、过氧化物预处理和组合法预处理等预处理技术以及酯化改性、接枝共聚、偶联剂改性和其他改性方法,并综述了改性天然植物纤维在复合材料中的研究进展,总结了天然植物纤维改性对复合材料性能的影响,以期为天然植物纤维复合材料的研究提供思路和参考。     

Strength and Toughness of Continuous-Alumina-Fiber-Reinforced Glass-Matrix Composites

Unidirectional, continuous-fiber composites were fabricated using polycrystalline alumina fibers and four different silicate glass matrices of differing thermal expansion. Fracture toughness measurements, strength measurements, and fractographic analysis of failed specimens are used to identify the failure mechanism. Results show that the elastic modulus mismatch between the matrix and the fibers shields the reinforcing fibers from matrix crack extension, thereby increasing composite toughness without fiber pullout. Fractographic analysis shows that fiber shielding leads to fiber failure ahead of matrix crack. Composite toughness increases linearly with increases in the residual compressive stress in the matrix phase. Ultimate composite strengths are dependent upon thermal-expansion-induced residual stresses and fiber strength.     

Interfacial interaction in sisal/epoxy composites and its influence on impact performance

To obtain comprehensive knowledge of the interfacial effect on the impact performance of sisal fiber reinforced epoxy composites, the fiber surface was modified in different ways prior to compounding. By using a surface tensiometer and dynamic mechanical analyzer, interfacial interactions in the composites were characterized. The results indicated that the chemical treatments brought about strong bonding between sisal bundles and the epoxy matrix. The subsequent impact tests revealed that the microfailure mechanism involved is a function of interfacial adhesion and fiber length continuity (i.e., continuous or discontinuous fiber). In the case of unidirectional laminates, an optimum fiber treatment should be able to result in an increased affinity between fiber bundles and matrix and a decreased intercellular adhesion. In this way, extension and uncoiling of the spirally arranged microfibrils, a main energy consumption process of plant fibers, can impart significant toughness to the composites. For short fiber composites, the interfacial strength should be properly tailored so as to increase energy dissipation through debonding and pullout of fiber bundles.     

TDE-85/AG-80环氧树脂基复合材料微观形貌与力学性能分析

选用两种耐高温多官能团环氧树脂TDE-5和AG-80为基体,T300碳纤维为增强体制备了复合材料单向板,纤维体积含量均为60％。实验测得TDE-85树脂基体复合材料单向板的弯曲模量为74．26GPa,弯曲强度为1061．4MPa,层间剪切强度（ILSS）为54．05MPa;AG-80树脂基体复合材料单向板弯曲模量为55．73GPa,弯曲强度为840．52MPa,层间剪切强度（ILSS）为44．84MPa。前者的弯曲强度、弯曲模量与剪切强度也分别高出后者26．3％、33．2％与20．5％。实验对弯曲试样断口微观形貌的受压部分和受拉部分进行了SEM和高倍数码显微镜观察。结果显示,AG-80树脂基与碳纤维的界面结合情况较差,纤维成束被拔出,纤维表面几乎没有树脂。TDE-85树脂基与碳纤维界面结合情况较好,纤维与树脂结合比较紧密,断面较为平整,只有少量纤维拔出,表面粘附大量树脂。     

碳纤维复合材料发动机壳体用高性能树脂基体的研制

在综合考虑树脂黏度、力学性能、耐热性能的基础上。开发了适用于碳纤维复合材料火箭发动机壳体温法缠绕成型工艺用耐高温和韧性环氧树脂基体。用差示扫描式量热法(DSC)、傅里叶红外光谱FT—IR等分析技术对该韧性树脂基体的固化反应动力学参数、树脂基体固化物的性能和复合材料的性能进行了系统的研究。结果表明，该韧性树脂基体黏度低，适用期长，韧性好，与碳纤维界面粘接强度高，所制得的复合材料火箭发动机壳体纤维强度转化率高。为今后相关方面的研究指明了方向。     

A comparison of compounding processes for wood-fiber/thermoplastic composites

This study was carried out to investigate the feasibility of developing a continuous compounding process for wood-fiber/thermoplastic composites using the Szego mill, a unique, high speed planetary ring-roller grinding mill. Prior to compounding, air-dried sawdust was ground to evaluate the grinding effect in the mill. As the feed rate and the mill speed increased, the particle size increased and decreased, respectively. Sawdust particles were successfully compounded in linear low-density polyethylene using the Szego mill without any major heat application. A Gelimat mixer, used for the compounding of wood fiber through a high-shear thermokinetic mixing process, was also employed for comparison. Composites with 30 wt% wood fiber were prepared by both compounding processes, and their mechanical properties were evaluated. The use of a compatibilizer in compounding improved the mechanical properties of the composites regardless of the compounding process. The composites prepared by Szego mill compounding showed comparable strength properties with their counterparts from the Gelimat mixer. Power consumption during mill compounding was in the range of twin-screw extruder processing.     

Effect of surface treatment of carbon fiber on the electrical and mechanical properties of high-impact polystyrene composite

Carbon fiber (CF), PU(polyurethane)-coated carbon fiber (CF-PU) and Ni-coated fiber (NCF) treated with a coupling agent (CA) were used to prepare composites for high impact polystyrene (HIPS) by melt blending. The optimum concentration of the titanate CA is 1.5 phf (per hundred parts of filler) when coupled with the carbon fibers. A composite prepared by adding a CA directly into the matrix which was then reinforced with fibers was investigated for comparison. These composites were evaluated for electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness, dispersion, and adhesion between the polymer and the filler by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The addition of CA generally improved the shielding effectiveness; this is especially apparent when the matrix was pretreated with CA before compounding with the fibers. The tensile properties were also improved upon CA addition.     

The use of urethane rubber/epoxide resin blends as matrix materials for glass and carbon fiber composites

We consider the effects of using urethane rubber/epoxide resin blends as matrices for unidirectional glass and carbon fiber and for balanced-weave glass fiber cloth composites. The mechanical properties of the unreinforced resin and various composites were measured for specimens with matrices containing up to 35 percent of urethane. The properties of the unreinforced resin show very marked changes between 30 and 35 percent of urethane due, it is believed, to the existence of discrete regions of urethane polymer throughout the matrix. The transverse properties of the unidirectional carbon fiber composites are significantly enhanced by the presence of 20 percent of urethane in the matrix without, apart from a decrease in the shear modulus, any marked change in other properties. This could prove useful in the applications of carbon fiber composites. Results for glass fiber materials are less dramatic, possibly because of poorer adhesion between the glass fiber and the urethane. If this is indeed the cause of the results, it should be possible to bring about an improvement for glass fiber composites by using fibers coated with a suitable coupling agent.     

增韧增强聚丙烯材料性能的实验研究

采用弹性体(Delene1175G)和无碱玻璃纤维(GF)对聚丙烯(PP)进行了复合改性研究,考察了Delene1175G和GF含量对PP性能的影响,用扫描电子显微镜进行了组织结构观察。实验结果表明:弹性体和经偶联剂处理的无碱玻璃纤维可大幅提高PP复合体系的机械性能;不用偶联剂处理的GF增强作用甚微。     

废弃木粉与短切玻璃纤维组合增强聚丙烯的力学性能

用废弃木粉与短切玻璃纤维作为增强材料，制得了组合增强的聚丙烯复合材料，研究了制备工艺及设备、材料配方及界面改性方法等对材料力学性能的影响。结果表明，用单螺杆挤出机制备组合增强材料，可减少对玻璃纤维的损伤，保持较长的玻璃纤维，有利于其增强作用的发挥；随着玻璃纤维含量的增加，体系的力学性能提高，而木粉含量对材料力学性能的影响与玻璃纤维的含量相关；采用硅烷偶联剂对木粉进行表面处理，在基体中添加接枝极性基团的改性聚丙烯，可改善体系的界面结合，提高力学性能。