Effects of Surface Treatments on Mechanical Properties and Water Resistance of Kenaf Fiber-Reinforced Unsaturated Polyester Composites

Abstract

Effects of surface treatments on the strength and water resistance of kenaf fiber-reinforced unsaturated polyester (UPE) composites were investigated. A new coupling agent that consists of 1,6-diisocyanato-hexane (DIH) and 2-hydroxylethyl acrylate (HEA) was investigated for surface treatments of kenaf fibers. The surface treatments were found to significantly enhance the tensile strength, modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, and water resistance of the resulting kenaf–UPE composites. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed that DIH-HEA was covalently bonded onto kenaf fibers. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the composites revealed that chemical treatment of kenaf fibers with a combination of DIH and HEA improved the interfacial adhesion between kenaf fibers and UPE resin in the DIH–HEA-treated kenaf–UPE composites. The mechanisms by which the chemical treatment of kenaf fiber surfaces improved strength and water resistance of the resulting kenaf–UPE composites were discussed.     

Hemp‐fiber‐reinforced unsaturated polyester composites: Optimization of processing and improvement of interfacial adhesion

The processing variables for making hemp‐fiber‐reinforced unsaturated polyester (UPE) composites were optimized through orthogonal experiments. It was found that the usage of initiator, methyl ethyl ketone peroxide, had the most significant effect on the tensile strength of the composites. The treatment of hemp fibers with a combination of 1,6‐diisocyanatohexane (DIH) and 2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) significantly increased tensile strength, flexural modulus of rupture, and flexural modulus of elasticity, and water resistance of the resulting hemp‐UPE composites. FTIR spectra revealed that DIH and HEA were covalently bonded to hemp fibers. Scanning electron microscopy graphs of the fractured hemp‐UPE composites demonstrated that treatment of hemp fibers with a combination of DIH and HEA greatly improved the interfacial adhesion between hemp fibers and UPE. The mechanism of improving the interfacial adhesion is proposed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Effect of fiber modification with a novel compatibilizer on the mechanical properties and water absorption of hemp‐fiber‐reinforced unsaturated polyester composites

Hemp‐fiber‐reinforced unsaturated polyester (UPE) composites were prepared by compression molding. The treatment of hemp fibers with N‐methylol acrylamide (NMA) and sulfuric acid as a catalyst significantly increased tensile strength, flexural modulus of rupture and flexural modulus of elasticity, and water resistance of the resulting hemp–UPE composites. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra revealed that some NMA was covalently bonded to hemp fibers. Scanning electronic microscopy graphs of the fractured hemp–UPE composites revealed that treatment of hemp fibers with NMA greatly improved the interfacial adhesion between hemp fibers and UPE. The chemical reactions between hemp fibers and NMA as well as the mechanism of improving the interfacial adhesion were proposed and discussed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Investigation of acrylamide‐modified melamine‐formaldehyde resins as a compatibilizer for kenaf‐unsaturated polyester composites

Kenaf fiber‐reinforced unsaturated polyester (UPE) composites were prepared by compression molding. A novel compatibilizer was prepared from melamine, formaldehyde, and acrylamide. The treatment of kenaf fibers with the compatibilizer significantly increased the flexural properties and reduced the water uptake of the resulting kenaf–UPE composites. The effects of the total solids content, the molar ratios of melamine/formaldehyde/acrylamide, and the pH value of the compatibilizer solution in the treatment of kenaf fibers on the flexural strength, flexural modulus, as well as the water uptake of the kenaf–UPE composites were studied in detail. Fourier transform infrared spectra revealed that the compatibilizer was covalently bonded to kenaf fibers. Scanning electron microscopy images of the fractured kenaf–UPE composites confirmed that the treatment of kenaf fibers with the compatibilizer improved the interfacial adhesion between kenaf fibers and UPE resin. The mechanisms for the improved flexural properties and the reduced water uptake by the treatments of the kenaf fibers were proposed and discussed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Chemical treatment of wood fiber and its reinforced unsaturated polyester composites

In order to enhance the interfacial adhesion between wood fiber and an unsaturated polyester matrix (UPE), acrylic acid (acrylic acid)/poly(methyl methacrylate), and (acrylic acid)/silanization (AAS) were used to treat the wood fibers. The mechanical properties and the impact fracture surfaces of the prepared composites were measured and characterized, and the fracture mechanism of these kinds of composites was analyzed. The results showed that the AAS composites possessed the optimum comprehensive mechanical properties. When the weight fraction of wood fiber was 16%, the flexural strength and flexural modulus of the AAS composites were increased by 28.9 and 51.8%, respectively, compared to those of untreated composites. The highest tensile strength and lowest water absorption were also noted for AAS composites. These composites possessed the strongest interfacial adhesion between wood fiber and the UPE matrix. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 19:18–24, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Bamboo fiber reinforced thermosetting resin composites: Effect of graft copolymerization of fiber with methacrylamide

Epoxy and polyester resins have been reinforced with methacrylamide (MAA) treated bamboo strip matting to develop bamboo fiber reinforced plastic composites. Bamboo mats were graft copolymerized with 1, 3, and 5% solution of MAA. The mechanical (tensile strength, elastic modulus, flexural strength, and flexural modulus), thermal, and water absorption properties of the composites were determined. One percent treatment of bamboo with MAA gave optimum results with epoxy resin. The mechanical properties were improved. TGA results reveal that the degradation temperature of the composite has improved after grafting. The weight loss of 1% MAA treated bamboo–epoxy composite reached a value of 95.132% at 795°C compared to 97.655% at 685°C of untreated bamboo–epoxy composite. Water absorption in the composites was studied by long term immersion and 2 h boiling in distilled water. The process of water absorption indicates Fickian mode of diffusion. MAA treatment results in reduced water uptake. There was improvement in the properties of pretreated bamboo‐polyester matrix composite as well. Three percent treatment of bamboo with MAA gave optimum results with polyester resin. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Effect of fiber surface treatment on mechanical,interfacial, and moisture absorption properties of cattail fiber-reinforced composites

Surface treatment of cattail, a lignocellulosic renewable fiber, was investigated to determine the conditions that would reduce moisture absorption while maximizing the properties of cattail fiber-reinforced unsaturated polyester composites. Surface modification of cattail fiber was studied by treating them with 2.5, 5, and 10% of 1,6-diisocyanatohexane (DIH) and 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) for three different immersion times (10, 20, and 30 min). DIH-HEA treated fibers were preformed into a non-woven mat and impregnated with unsaturated polyester resin to manufacture composite. The existence of covalent bonds on the treated fibers via N H and C N groups was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. The 10% DIH-HEA resulted in the best results; while the mean diameter of the treated fiber decreased by ~37%, the modulus and the strength of it increased by ~267 and ~151%, respectively. Equilibrium moisture regain of the treated fibers and their composites decreased by ~43% and ~40%, respectively. The tensile modulus of the composites increased by ~171%. Enhancement in tensile strength is observed but could not be quantified due to the difference in V_f and scatter in the data. SEM examination confirmed the enhancement in fiber–matrix bonding due to surface treatment.     

Morphological,mechanical, and physical properties of composites made with wood flour‐reinforced polypropylene/recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) blends

Wood flour (WF)‐filled composites based on a polypropylene (PP)/recycled polyethylene terephthalate (r‐PET) matrix were prepared using two‐step extrusion. Maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAPP) was added to improve the compatibility between polymer matrices and WF. The effects of filler and MAPP compatibilization on the water absorption, mechanical properties, and morphological features of PP/r‐PET/WF composites were investigated. The addition of MAPP significantly improved mechanical properties such as tensile strength, flexural strength, tensile modulus, and flexural modulus compared with uncompatibilized composites, but decreased elongation at break. Scanning electron microscopic images of fracture surface specimens revealed better interfacial interaction between WF and polymer matrix for MAPP‐compatibilized PP/r‐PET/WF composites. MAPP‐compatibilized PP/r‐PET/WF composites also showed reduced water absorption due to improved interfacial bonding, which limited the amount of absorbable water molecules. These results indicated that MAPP acts as an effective compatibilizer in PP/r‐PET/WF composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:1749–1755, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Performance of bamboo plastic composites with hybrid bamboo and precipitated calcium carbonate fillers

The influences of hybrid bamboo and precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) fillers in a recycled polypropylene/polyethylene matrix on the properties of bamboo plastic composites were studied. Thermogravimetric and Fourier transform infrared analyses of both thermo‐mechanically refined bamboo fiber (RBF) and ground bamboo particle (GBP) showed relatively higher holocellulose content in RBF, and more effective silane grafting on the RBF surface. The raw PCC particles contained over 95% calcium carbonate, and had an agglomerated form consisting of particles with a mean diameter of about 1.2 microns. Compounding the PCC particles with the plastic resin helped separate and disperse them in the matrix. Measured flexural strength and modulus of PCC‐only‐filled composites increased significantly from 15 to 30% PCC content levels, while the tensile and impact strength of composites decreased with the addition of PCC. For composites with hybrid bamboo and PCC fillers, tensile and flexural moduli were improved with the increase of PCC content. After silane treatment, RBF‐filled composites showed noticeably increased mechanical properties compared with those of GBP‐filled composites. For modulus values, PCC–bamboo–polymer composites were 3–4 times higher than those of PCC–polymer composites at high PCC levels. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Effect of macromolecular coupling agent on the property of PP/GF composites

Silane‐grafted polypropylene manufactured by a reactive grafting process was used as the coupling agent in polypropylene/glass‐fiber composites to improve the interaction of the interfacial regions. Polypropylene reinforced with 30% by weight of short glass fibers was injection‐molded and the mechanical behaviors were investigated. The results indicate that the mechanical properties (tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural strength, flexural modulus, and Izod impact strength) of the composite increased remarkably as compared with the noncoupled glass fiber/polypropylene. SEM of the fracture surfaces of the coupled composites shows a good adhesion at the fiber/matrix interface: The fibers are coated with matrix polymer, and a matrix transition region exists near the fibers. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 71: 1537–1542, 1999     

苎麻落麻的表面处理及其复合材料的性能研究

采用甲基丙烯酸甲酯、丙烯腈接枝,硅烷偶联剂(A-151)偶联,聚氯乙烯(PVC)包覆等方法对苎麻落麻纤维进行表面处理;测试了处理前后落麻纤维的吸水率、单丝强度及其与环氧树脂(EP)、酚醛树脂(PF)和不饱和聚酯(UP)等的接触角;观察了偶联和包覆后落麻纤维的表面状况;选取偶联和包覆后的落麻纤维制备了UP/落麻毡和PP/落麻纤维复合材料,测试了其拉伸和弯曲性能并观察了处理前后复合材料的拉伸断面形貌。结果表明,接枝、偶联和包覆不仅降低了落麻纤维的吸水速率。而且也降低了平衡吸水量;接枝对落麻纤维单丝强度影响最大,偶联次之,包覆最小;接枝、偶联和包覆均能大幅度改善落麻纤维与EP、PF和UP的浸润性;偶联和包覆后的落麻纤维表面都比处理前粗糙;偶联使UP/落麻毡复合材料的拉伸强度、拉伸弹性模量提高了21％,弯曲强度提高了34％,弯曲弹性模量提高了40％,包覆使PP/落麻纤维复合材料的拉伸、弯曲强度提高了20％左右。     

Biodegradable biocomposites from poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) and miscanthus: Preparation,compatibilization, and performance evaluation

Miscanthus fibers reinforced biodegradable poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) matrix‐based biocomposites were produced by melt processing. The performances of the produced PBAT/miscanthus composites were evaluated by means of mechanical, thermal, and morphological analysis. Compared to neat PBAT, the flexural strength, flexural modulus, storage modulus, and tensile modulus were increased after the addition of miscanthus fibers into the PBAT matrix. These improvements were attributed to the strong reinforcing effect of miscanthus fibers. The polarity difference between the PBAT matrix and the miscanthus fibers leads to weak interaction between the phases in the resulting composites. This weak interaction was evidenced in the impact strength and tensile strength of the uncompatibilized PBAT composites. Therefore, maleic anhydride (MAH)‐grafted PBAT was prepared as compatibilizer by melt free radical grafting reaction. The MAH grafting on the PBAT was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The interfacial bonding between the miscanthus fibers and PBAT was improved with the addition of 5 wt % of MAH‐grafted PBAT (MAH‐g‐PBAT) compatibilizer. The improved interaction between the PBAT and the miscanthus fiber was corroborated with mechanical and morphological properties. The compatibilized PBAT composite with 40 wt % miscanthus fibers exhibited an average heat deflection temperature of 81 °C, notched Izod impact strength of 184 J/m, tensile strength of 19.4 MPa, and flexural strength of 22 MPa. From the scanning electron microscopy analysis, better interaction between the components can be observed in the compatibilized composites, which contribute to enhanced mechanical properties. Overall, the addition of miscanthus fibers into a PBAT matrix showed a significant benefit in terms of economic competitiveness and functional performances. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 45448.     

Hybrid carbon-glass fiber vinyl ester resin composites

Hybrid carbon-glass fiber composites of novolak epoxy-based vinyl ester resins have been investigated. The chemical resistance, the thermo-oxidative stability and the mechanical properties such as tensile strength and tensile modulus, as well as flexural strength and flexural modulus, interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and impact strength have also been estimated. The combination of glass and carbon fibers in the hybrid turns out to be an excellent mix. These composites have good tensile and flexural properties as well as the good chemical resistance of the carbon fibers and the high impact strength of the glass fibers and also the thermo-oxidative stability of highly aromatic vinyl ester resins based on novolak epoxy.     

Effect of fiber surface treatment on the properties of biocomposites from nonwoven industrial hemp fiber mats and unsaturated polyester resin

Biocomposites were made with nonwoven hemp mats and unsaturated polyester resin (UPE). The hemp fiber volume fraction was optimized by mechanical testing. The effect of four surface treatments of industrial hemp fibers on mechanical and thermal properties of biocomposites was studied. The treatments done were alkali treatment, silane treatment, UPE (matrix) treatment, and acrylonitrile treatment. Bending strength, modulus of elasticity, tensile strength, tensile modulus, impact strength, storage modulus, loss modulus, and tan δ were evaluated and compared for all composites. The mechanical as well as thermal properties of the biocomposites improved after surface treatments. The properties of the above biocomposites were also compared with E‐glass–mat composite. To achieve balance in properties, a hybrid composite of industrial hemp and glass fibers was made. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 1055–1068, 2006     

Biocomposites developed using water‐plasticized wheat gluten as matrix and jute fibers as reinforcement

Biocomposites developed from wheat gluten using water without any chemicals as plasticizer and jute fibers as reinforcement have much better flexural and tensile properties than similar polypropylene composites reinforced with jute fibers. Wheat gluten is an inexpensive and abundant co‐product derived from renewable resources and is biodegradable but non‐thermoplastic. Previous attempts at developing biocomposites from wheat gluten have used plasticizers such as glycerol or chemical modifications to make gluten thermoplastic. However, plasticizers have a considerably negative effect on the mechanical properties of the composites and chemical modifications make wheat gluten less biodegradable, expensive and/or environmentally unfriendly. In the research reported, we developed composites from wheat gluten using water as a plasticizer without any chemicals. Water plasticizes wheat gluten but evaporates during compression molding and therefore does not affect the mechanical properties of the composites. The effect of composite fabrication conditions on the flexural, tensile and acoustic properties was studied in comparison to polypropylene composites reinforced with jute fibers. Wheat gluten composites had flexural strength (20 MPa), tensile strength (69 MPa) and tensile modulus (7.7 GPa) values approximately twice those of polypropylene composites. Water is an effective plasticizer for wheat gluten and could be used to develop various types of inexpensive and biodegradable wheat gluten‐based thermoplastics. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Mica reinforced nylon‐6: Effect of coupling agents on mechanical,thermal, and dielectric properties

The effects of applying titanate (TYZOR® TPT) and silane (DYNASYLAN VTMO) coupling agents to wet ground muscovite mica in nylon‐6 composites are described. Nylon‐6 composites of 5–40 wt % filler loadings were compounded using an APV Baker twin‐screw extruder. Mica (25 wt %) brought about an increase in the Young's modulus, flexural strength, and flexural modulus but did not produce significant variations in tensile and impact strength. Hence different coupling agents were employed. It was observed that titanate coupling agent improved the tensile strength and the Young's modulus of the composites much while the impact properties were enhanced by the silane coupling agent. An attempt was made to use ?‐caprolactum in improving the interfacial adhesion of the filler and the matrix. It was observed that ?‐caprolactum improved the flexural modulus of the composites most. The effect of coupling agents on the dielectric strength, heat distortion temperature, and morphology were also investigated. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 4074–4081, 2006     

Polyurethane composites based on oil palm empty fruit bunches: Effect of isocyanate/hydroxyl ratio and chemical modification of empty fruit bunches with toluene diisocyanate and hexamethylene diisocyanate on mechanical properties

This study focuses on the effect of isocyanate (NCO)/hydroxyl (OH) group ratios and chemical modification of oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFBs) with toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDI) on the mechanical properties of EFB–polyurethane (PU) composites. The tensile, flexural, and impact properties are affected by the NCO/OH ratios. The tensile strengths, flexural strengths, and toughness increase as the NCO/OH increases; however, the modulus decreases. The reduction in the modulus is attributable to the increased flexibility of the PU linkages. Chemical modification of the EFBs increases the tensile strength, flexural strength, and toughness; however, the modulus is lowered as the percentage of treated EFB is increased. Impact strength results show that the strength increases as the NCO/OH ratio is increased. At NCO/OH ratios of 1.0 and 1.1, the composites with HMDI‐treated fibers exhibit higher impact strength than those with TDI‐treated and untreated fibers, respectively. This may be due to the longer and more flexible chain length of HMDI as compared to TDI, which enables the composites to absorb more energy before failure. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007     

Mechanical properties of modified biofiller‐polypropylene composites

This article reports the mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of polypropylene (PP)‐chicken eggshell (ES) composites. Mechanical properties like tensile strength, tensile modulus, izod impact strength, flexural modulus of PP composites with normal (unmodified) eggshell and chemically treated ES [modified ES (MES) with isophthalic acid] have been investigated. PP–calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) composites, at the same filler loadings, were also prepared and used as reference. The results showed that PP composites with chemically MES had better mechanical properties compared to the unmodified ES and CaCO₃ composites. An increase of about 3–18% in tensile modulus, 4–44% in izod impact strength and 1.5–26% in flexural modulus at different filler loading was observed in MES composites as compared to unmodified ES composites. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs of fractured tensile specimens confirmed better interfacial adhesion of MES with polymer matrix resulting into lower voids and plastic deformation resulting in improved mechanicals of the composites. TEM micrographs showed acicular needle shaped morphology for modified ES and have contributed to better dispersion which is the prime reason for enhancement of all the mechanical properties. At higher filler loading, the modulus of MES composite was found to be higher by 5% as compared to commercial CaCO₃ composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:708–714, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Short glass fiber reinforced ABS and ABS/PA6 composites: Processing and characterization

In this study acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene (ABS) terpolymer was reinforced with 3‐aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APS)‐treated short glass fibers (SGFs). The effects of SGF concentration and extrusion process conditions, such as the screw speed and barrel temperature profile, on the mechanical properties of the composites were examined. Increasing the SGF concentration in the ABS matrix from 10 wt% to 30 wt% resulted in improved tensile strength, tensile modulus and flexural modulus, but drastically lowered the strain‐at‐break and the impact strength. The average fiber length decreased when the concentration of glass fibers increased. The increase in screw speed decreased the average fiber length, and therefore the tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural modulus, and impact strength were affected negatively and the strain‐at‐break was affected positively. The increase in extrusion temperature decreased the fiber length degradation, and therefore the tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural modulus, and impact strength increased. At higher temperatures the ABS matrix degraded and the mechanical strength of the composites decreased. To obtain a strong interaction at the interface, polyamide‐6 (PA6) at varying concentrations was introduced into the ABS/30 wt% SGF composite. The incorporation and increasing amount of PA6 in the composites broadened the fiber length distribution (FLD) owing to the low melt viscosity of PA6. Tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural modulus, and impact strength values increased with an increase in the PA6 content of the ABS/PA6/SGF systems due to the improved adhesion at the interface, which was confirmed by the ratio of tensile strength to flexural strength as an adhesion parameter. These results were also supported by scanning electron micrographs of the ABS/PA6/SGF composites, which exhibited an improved adhesion between the SGFs and the ABS/PA6 matrix. POLYM. COMPOS. 26:745–755, 2005. © 2005 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Isolation and characterization of betel nut leaf fiber: Its potential application in making composites

Betel nut leaf fiber (BNLF) is a new finding as cellulosic filler for polymer composites. Its main constituents are 75% α‐cellulose, 12% hemicelluloses, 10% lignin, and 3% others matter, viscosity average molecular weight 132,000 and degree of crystallinity 70%. In the present work, BNLF reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites were prepared using heat press molding method. 5–20 wt% short length fiber is taken for getting benefits of easy manufacturing and the fiber was chemically treated with NaOH, dicumyl peroxide (DCP), and maleic anhydride‐modified PP (MAPP) to promote the interfacial bond with PP. The extent of modification of fiber was assessed on the basis of morphology, bulk density, moisture absorption, thermal, and mechanical properties of untreated fiber, treated fiber, and their reinforcing PP composites. The tensile and flexural strength of composites increase with the increase of fiber loading up to 10 and 20 wt%, respectively. It was also observed that Young's modulus and flexural modulus increase with fiber loading. The thermal degradation behavior of resulting composites was investigated. Among the various treated fibers, MAPP‐treated fiber composite showed best interfacial interactions as well as mechanical and thermal properties. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers