Esterification Effect of Maleic Anhydride on Surface and Volume Resistivity of Natural Fiber/Polystyrene Composites

The natural fibers (banana, hemp and sisal) and polystyrene (PS) were taken for the preparation of natural fiber polymer composites in the different ratios of 40:60, 45:55, 50:50 and 55:45 (wt/wt), respectively. These fibers were esterified with maleic anhydride (MA) and the effect of esterification of maleic anhydride was studied on surface resistivity and volume resistivity of natural fiber/polystyrene composites. It was found that the untreated fibers composites show more surface resistivity and volume resistivity in comparison to maleic anhydride treated fibers composites. An untreated hemp fibers composite shows maximum surface and volume resistivity while maleic anhydride treated sisal fibers composites show minimum surface and volume resistivity.     

Dynamic mechanical behavior of vinylester matrix composites reinforced by Luffa cylindrica modified fibers

Currently, there is a demand for new engineering materials presenting a combination of strength, low density, processing easiness, and reduced costs. In this context, polymer matrix composites reinforced by natural fibers have been studied in recent years due to their ecological and economic advantages. Some fibers are still little explored in literature despite presenting a great potential as reinforcement like Luffa cylindrica. The present work aims at the preparation and characterization of a vinylester thermoset matrix composite material reinforced by fibers of the natural L. cylindrica fruit after modification treatments. In this study, extraction treatments in organic solvents, mercerization, and a quite new esterification with BTDA dianhydrides were used and the results showed that in all cases, the composite materials reinforced by Luffa fibers have showed improvements in mechanical and thermal properties compared to the vinylester matrix. As an example, 50% tensile increase was obtained for the composite reinforced by fibers esterified with benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride when compared with thermoset matrix. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Utilization of Recycled Polypropylene for Production of Eco-Composites

Renewable raw materials and recyclable thermoplastic polymers provide attractive eco-friendly quality as well as environmental sustainability to the resulting natural fiber reinforced composites. We studied the possibility of using the recycled polypropylene (PP) for production of composites based on kenaf fibers (KF) and rice hulls (RH) as reinforcements. Polypropylene/rice-hulls (PP/RH/CA) and polypropylene/kenaf (PP/K/CA) composites with 30% fiber (filler) content and appropriate compatibilizing agent (CA)—a maleic anhydride grafted PP (MAPP), have been prepared by two steps procedure: melt mixing and compression molding. Flexural strength and thermal stability of the composites with recycled PP were similar to those with neat PP. The composites reinforced with kenaf fibers have shown better properties than those based on rice hulls. The flexural strength of the composite sample with recycled PP is 51.3 MPa in comparison with 51.1 MPa for the composite with neat PP. Degradation temperatures of neat and composite with recycled PP at residual weight 90% are 344.4°C and 343.5°C, respectively. The results obtained report the possibility of utilization of recycled PP for the production of natural reinforcements based composites with good mechanical characteristics for using as construction building materials in housing systems.     

Stiffness and strength of flax fiber/polymer matrix composites

Flax fiber composites with thermoset and thermoplastic polymer matrices have been manufactured and tested for stiffness and strength under uniaxial tension. Flax/polypropylene and flax/maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene composites are produced from compound obtained by coextrusion of granulated polypropylene and flax fibers, while flax fiber mat/vinylester and modified acrylic resin composites are manufactured by resin transfer molding. The applicability of rule‐of‐mixtures and orientational averaging based models, developed for short fiber composites, to flax reinforced polymers is considered. POLYM. COMPOS. 27:221–229, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Thermal Aging Properties of Graphite Fiber Reinforced Peek and Graphite Fiber Reinforced Bmi Composites

Graphite fiber reinforced poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) and graphite fiber reinforced bismaleimide (BMI) composite materials are two kinds of advanced fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composites with good thermal stability and excellent mechanical properties at high temperature. They are currently receiving considerable attention. the main limitation on their application is the lack of knowledge regarding their behaviors during extended use at high temperature. Thermal aging properties are the main parameters for new polymer matrix composites that will be used in advanced spacecraft structural components. From the results of thermal aging effects on the properties—including interlaminar shear strength, drop-weight impact strength, and impact energy—of graphite/PEEK and graphite/BMI composites, it is found that unidirectional graphite fiber reinforced composites retain higher strength compared to multidirectional, and that multidirectional graphite/PEEK composites keep higher property retentions than multidirectional graphite/BMI composites after thermal aging at 190°C. From scanning electron photomicrographs, it is also found that graphite/PEEK composites have better fiber/resin adhesion, intraply adhesion, and microcrack resistance compared to graphite/BMI composites after thermal aging.     

Esterification effect of maleic anhydride on swelling properties of natural fiber/high density polyethylene composites

The natural fibers (banana, hemp, and sisal) and high density polyethylene were taken for the preparation of natural fiber/polymer composites in different ratios of 40 : 60 and 45 : 55 (w/w). These fibers were esterified with maleic anhydride (MA) and the effect of esterification of MA was studied on swelling properties in terms of absorption of water, at ambient temperature, and steam. It was found that the steam penetrates more within lesserperiod of time than water at ambient temperature. Untreated fiber composites show more absorption of steam and water in comparison to MA‐treated fiber composites. The more absorption of water was found in hemp fiber composites and less in sisal fiber composites. Steam absorption in MA‐treated and untreated fiber composites are higher than the water absorption in respective fiber composites. The natural fiber/polymer composites containing low amount of fibers show less absorption of steam and water at ambient temperature than the composites containing more amount of fibers in respective fiber composites. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007     

Carbon‐Polymer Composite Bipolar Plate for HT‐PEMFC

Graphene reinforced carbon‐polymer composite bipolar plate is developed using resole phenol formaldehyde resin, and conductive reinforcements (natural graphite, carbon black, and carbon fiber) using compression molding technique. Graphene is reinforced into the composite to alter various properties of the composite bipolar plate. The developed composite bipolar plate is characterized and the effect of temperature on mechanical and electrical properties is investigated with an overall aim to achieve benchmark given by US‐DOE and Plug Power Inc. The flexural strength and electrical conductivity of the composites was almost stable with the increase in temperature upto 175 °C. The composite bipolar plate maintained high in‐plane and through‐plane electrical conductivities, which is about 409.23 and 98 S cm^–1, respectively, at 175 °C. The flexural strength and shore hardness of the developed composite was around 56.42 MPa and 60, respectively, at 175 °C, and on further increase in the temperature the mechanical strengths deceases sharply. The electrical and mechanical properties of the composite bipolar plates are within the US‐DoE target. However, the various properties of the composite bipolar plate could not be sustained above 175 °C.     

Replacement of styrene with acrylated epoxidized soybean oil in an unsaturated polyester resin from propylene glycol,isophthalic acid,and maleic anhydride

Commercial unsaturated polyester (UPE) resins typically contain a high amount of volatile toxic styrene. A non‐volatile acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (AESO) was found to be an excellent replacement of styrene in a commercially available UPE resin [designated as Styrene‐(PG‐IPA‐MA)] that is derived from propylene glycol (PG), isophthalic acid (IPA), and maleic anhydride (MA) in terms of the mechanical properties of the resulting kenaf fiber‐reinforced composites. The AESO‐(PG‐IPA‐MA) resins had low viscosity and long pot life below 70°C for a typical fiber‐reinforced composite application. AESO and PG‐IPA‐MA were not able to form a strong polymer matrix individually for fiber‐reinforced composites. However, a combination of AESO and PG‐IPA‐MA saw strong synergistic effects between them. The flexural, tensile, and water absorption properties of kenaf fiber‐reinforced composites made from AESO‐(PG‐IPA‐MA) resins were comparable with or even superior to those from the Styrene‐(PG‐IPA‐MA) resin. The AESO/(PG‐IPA‐MA) weight ratio was investigated for maximizing the mechanical properties of the kenaf fiber‐reinforced composites. The curing mechanism of the AESO‐(PG‐IPA‐MA) resins is discussed in detail. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43052.     

Experimental Investigation of Mechanical and Morphological Properties of Flax-Glass Fiber Reinforced Hybrid Composite using Finite Element Analysis

The use of cellulosic fibers as reinforcing materials in polymer composites has gained popularity due to an increasing trend for developing sustainable materials. In the present experimental study, flax and glass fiber reinforced partially eco-friendly hybrid composites are fabricated with two different fiber orientations of 0° and 90°. The mechanical properties of these composites such as tensile, flexural and impact strengths have been evaluated. From the experiments, it has been observed that the composites with the 0° fiber orientation can hold the maximum tensile strength of 82.71 MPa, flexural strength of 143.99 MPa, and impact strength of 4 kJ/m². Whereas the composites with 90° fiber orientation can withstand the maximum tensile strength of 75.64 MPa, flexural strength of 134.86 MPa, and impact strength of 3.99 kJ/m². Morphological analysis is carried out to analyze fiber matrix interfaces and the structure of the fractured surfaces by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The finite element analysis (FEA) has been carried out to predict the resulting important mechanical properties by using ANSYS 12.0. From the results it is found that the experimental results are very close to the results predicted from FEA model values. It is suggested that these hybrid composites can be used as alternate materials for pure synthetic fiber reinforced polymer composite materials.     

The Compatibilizing Effect of Maleic Anhydride on Swelling Properties of Plant-Fiber-Reinforced Polystyrene Composites

In this work the fibers of banana, hemp, and sisal are employed as fillers for the formation of wood polymer composites with polystyrene in the different ratios of 40:60 and 45:55 (wt/wt), respectively. These fibers were esterified with maleic anhydride, and the effect of maleic anhydride was studied on absorption of steam and water at ambient temperature in wood polymer composites. Untreated fiber composites show more absorption of steam in comparison to maleic anhydride (MA)–treated fiber composites. The absorption of water increases with the increase in time from 2–30 h in all untreated fiber composites. The maximum absorption of water was found in hemp fiber composites and the minimum in sisal fiber composites. The maleic anhydride esterified fiber composites showed less absorption of water than the untreated fiber composites. Steam absorption in MA treated and untreated fiber composites is higher than the water absorption in respective fiber composites. The wood polymer composites containing low amount of fiber shows less absorption of steam and water at ambient temperature than the composites containing a greater amount of fiber in respective fiber composites.     

Effect of carbon fabric type on the mechanical performance of 2D carbon/carbon composites

A stabilized PAN fabric was carbonized and graphitized from 800°C to 2500°C. Two-dimensional (2D) carbon/carbon composites were made using the stabilized PAN fabric, carbonized fabrics, and a resol-type phenol-formaldehyde resin. These composites were heat-treated from 600°C to 2500°C. The influence of different heat-treated fabrics and heat treatment on the fracture and flexural strength of these composites was also studied. The composite reinforced with higher heat-treated fabrics showed a lower weight loss than that with lower heat-treated fabrics. When the composites were graphitized at 2500°C, the loss was 49.7 wt% for the composite made with stabilized PAN fabric and 26 wt% for that with carbonized fabric at 2500°C. Those composites also have a higher density than composites produced by other methods. Composites made with stabilized PAN fabric exhibited a strong bonding in the fiber/matrix during pyrolysis. This composite showed catastrophic fracture and a smooth fracture surface with no fiber pullout. Composites made with higher carbonized fabrics exhibited a weak interface bonding. These composites showed a pseudo-plastic fracture pattern with fiber pullout during pyrolysis. Composites made with carbonized fabrics at 2000°C and 2500°C showed the highest flexural strength at the prolysis temperature of 1000°C. Composites made with carbonized fabric at 1300°C showed the highest flexural strength above 1500°C to 2500°C. The composite made with stabilized PAN fabric exhibited the lowest flexural strength during pyrolysis.     

Investigation of mechanical properties of unidirectional steel fiber/polyester composites: Experiments and micromechanical predictions

The article introduces steel fiber reinforced polymer composites, which is considered new for composite product developments. These composites consist of steel fibers or filaments of 0.21 mm diameter embedded in a polyester resin. The goal of this investigation is to characterize the mechanical performance of steel fiber reinforced polyester composites at room temperature. The mechanical properties of unidirectional steel fiber reinforced polyester composites (SFRP) are evaluated experimentally and compared with the predicted values by micro‐mechanical models. These predictions help to understand the role of material and process parameters on material properties. Two types of SFRP were studied: polyester resin reinforced by both steel fabric containing unidirectional fibers and steel fibers wound on a metal frame with 0° orientations. The effects of the fiber volume fraction and the role of polymer yarns (weft) on mechanical properties were analyzed through tensile, compressive, and shear tests. These tests were performed as per the standard test procedures. In particular, issues related to processing difficulties, polymer yarns effect on properties, standardized testing, and properties under various loading conditions were addressed. Microscopic observations were analyzed to assess the laminate quality and the macroscopic fracture surfaces of shear test specimens were studied by standard techniques. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:627–644, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Improving delamination resistance of carbon fiber reinforced polymeric composite by interface engineering using carbonaceous nanofillers through electrophoretic deposition: An assessment at different in-service temperatures

In this article, modification of carbon fiber surface by carbon based nanofillers (multi-walled carbon nanotubes [CNT], carbon nanofibers, and multi-layered graphene) has been achieved by electrophoretic deposition technique to improve its interfacial bonding with epoxy matrix, with a target to improve the mechanical performance of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites. Flexural and short beam shear properties of the composites were studied at extreme temperature conditions; in-situ cryo, room and elevated temperature (−196, 30, and 120°C respectively). Laminate reinforced with CNT grafted carbon fibers exhibited highest delamination resistance with maximum improvement in flexural strength as well as in inter-laminar shear strength (ILSS) among all the carbon fiber reinforced epoxy (CE) composites at all in-situ temperatures. CNT modified CE composite showed increment of 9% in flexural strength and 17.43% in ILSS when compared to that of unmodified CE composite at room temperature (30°C). Thermomechanical properties were investigated using dynamic mechanical analysis. Fractography was also carried out to study different modes of failure of the composites.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Grewia Optiva Fiber-reinforced PF-based Composites

In this article, the synthesis of natural fiber-reinforced phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resin matrix-based polymer composites has been reported. Initially the phenol-formaldehyde resin was prepared by varying the concentration of formaldehyde with a fixed weight of phenol. Polymeric resins of different P:F ratios were subjected for optimization of their mechanical properties. The sample ratio of 1:1.5 (P:F) was found to possess maximum mechanical strength. Then reinforcing of this optimized resin was done by taking different ratios of Grewia optiva fiber in particle form (200 μ) to prepare green polymer composites. The polymer composite materials thus prepared were subjected for evaluation of their mechanical properties such as tensile, compressive, flexural, and wear resistance. It has been observed that optimum mechanical properties were obtained for fiber loading of 30%. Further, the mechanical strength of the composites has been found to be higher than the parent phenol-formaldehyde resin matrix. The morphological and thermal properties of the composites have also been studied.     

Absorption of water at ambient temperature and steam in wood–polymer composites prepared from agrowaste and polystyrene

Hemp, banana, and agave fibers were employed for the preparation of wood–polymer composites using polystyrene in the ratio of 50 : 50 w/w. These fibers were esterified with maleic anhydride (MA) and the effect of MA was studied on the absorption of water at ambient temperature and steam in wood–polymer composites made from said fibers and polystyrene. The absorption of water increases with increase in time from 2 to 30 h in all fiber composites. The maximum absorption of water was found in hemp fiber composites, and the minimum in agave fiber composites. The MA-esterified fiber composites showed less absorption of water than did the untreated fiber composites. Steam absorption in MA-treated and untreated fiber composites is higher than the water absorption in the respective fiber composites. Untreated fiber composites show more absorption of steam in comparison to MA-treated fibers composites. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 68: 681–686, 1998     

Exploratory results for composites of natural fibres mats with a natural matrix of epoxidized vegetable oils

Composites were prepared by impregnating non-woven mats of mixed natural fibres, mainly flax, hemp and a small percentage of polylactic acid, with an epoxidized soybean oil/maleic anhydride matrix resulting in a composite made up of 85% natural material. These composites comprised 65% matrix resin and 35% natural fibres and were light coloured, and had a good modulus of elasticity and modulus of rupture in the bending mode. The composites made up of 50% matrix resin and 50% natural fibres also gave good results when tested in tension. The best results appear to be obtained by using (i) higher curing temperatures (180?°C) with long post-curing times and (ii) medium temperature (150?°C) and longer press times (360?s).     

连续碳纤维增强热固性酚醛树脂复合材料的3D打印工艺及性能研究

针对连续碳纤维增强热固性酚醛树脂复合材料3D打印成型工艺的技术难题,本文提出了浸渍-原位预固化-后固化的3D打印成型方案,实现了连续碳纤维增强热固性酚醛树脂复合材料的3D打印成型,并研究浸渍温度对酚醛树脂接触角与表面张力,以及打印工艺对样件形貌和力学性能的影响规律。结果表明:当浸渍温度为40 ℃,预固化温度为180 ℃时,纤维-树脂界面结合效果最佳,原料具备成型条件;当打印间距为0.5 mm时,样件的弯曲强度及模量达到最大值,分别为660.00 MPa和57.99 GPa,层间剪切强度达到20.14 MPa。此连续碳纤维增强热固性酚醛树脂复合材料一体化制备工艺解决了3D打印热固性树脂原位成型难的问题,为制备具有复杂结构的连续纤维增强热固性树脂复合材料提供了参考。     

Chemical surface modification of wheat straw fibers for polypropylene reinforcement

The use of natural materials has grown in the last years in the plastics industry. Natural lignocellulose fibers derived from agricultural waste present potential to be used as a replacement for glass fibers for polymer reinforcement, leading to lower CO₂ footprint products. However, cellulose fibers are hydrophilic and polar and as a result of that, incompatible with hydrophobic polymers such as polypropylene. For this reason, a surface modification on the cellulose fiber is required. This work focuses on the modification of the cellulose fibers to improve the compatibility with polypropylene. Wheat straw fibers derived from agricultural waste were scoured with the purpose to remove lignin, hemicellulose and pectin to facilitate the defibrillation. The fibers were then esterified using acetic anhydride. Thermal gravimetric tests have shown an increase in the thermal stability of the scoured and esterified cellulose fibers, from 246°C for untreated fibers to 292°C and 316°C, respectively. From mechanical tests results it could be seen that the tensile modulus of the composites with esterified cellulose fibers increased 57% compared with the neat PP. Flexural strength increased by 31% and flexural modulus by 70%. The use of esterified fibers led to an improvement of 79% in the impact strength compared with the neat PP. A better compatibilization between fibers and matrix could be seen using maleic anhydride modified polypropylene copolymer as compatibilizer, even with esterified fibers, probably due to residual hydroxyl groups still available on modified cellulose. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:2133–2141, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Physical,mechanical, and water absorption behavior of coir/glass fiber reinforced epoxy based hybrid composites

Fiber reinforced polymer composites has been used in a variety of application because of their many advantages such as relatively low cost of production, easy to fabricate, and superior strength compare to neat polymer resins. Reinforcement in polymer is either synthetic or natural. Synthetic fiber such as glass, carbon, etc. has high specific strength but their fields of application are limited due to higher cost of production. Recently there is an increase interest in natural composites which are made by reinforcement of natural fiber. In this connection, an investigation has been carried out to make better utilization of coconut coir fiber for making value added products. The objective of the present research work is to study the physical, mechanical, and water absorption behavior of coir/glass fiber reinforced epoxy based hybrid composites. The effect of fiber loading and length on mechanical properties like tensile strength, flexural strength, and hardness of composites is studied. The experimental results reveal that the maximum strength properties is observed for the composite with 10 wt% fiber loading at 15 mm length. The maximum flexural strength of 63 MPa is observed for composites with 10 wt% fiber loading at 15 mm fiber length. Similarly, the maximum hardness value of 21.3 Hv is obtained for composites with 10 wt% fiber loading at 20 mm fiber length. Also, the surface morphology of fractured surfaces after tensile testing is examined using scanning electron microscope (SEM). POLYM. COMPOS., 35:925–930, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Effects of heat accelerated aging on tensile strength of three dimensional braided/epoxy resin composites

The tensile tests of three‐dimensional (3Dim) and four‐directional (4Dir) carbon fiber braided/epoxy resin composites and carbon fiber woven plain fabric laminated/epoxy composites after heat accelerated aging at 150 and 180°C for 60, 120, and 180 h were carried out respectively. The reason of the changes of tensile property of these composites after different aging period of time at different high temperature was explained. The results of two‐way ANOVA analyzing indicate that the aging time has a significant effect on tensile strength of these composites. With the increase of accelerated aging period of time at high temperature, the tensile strengths of these composite samples decreased compared with that of composite samples without aging. However the decrease of tensile strength of 3Dim and 4Dir braided composites is less than that of laminated composites. One of the reasons is after aging for a long time at high temperature, the resin is damaged and becomes brittle which make the bonding force between fiber and resin decrease. Another reason is the structure of reinforcement of composites. After aging, the structure of 3Dim and 4Dir braided/epoxy resin composites still keeps the integrity which makes the 3Dim and 4Dir composites have less tensile performance degradation (3Dim and 4 Dir: three‐dimensional and four‐directional). POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers