Carbon fiber reinforced melamine‐formaldehyde

New composites based on carbon fiber (cf) and melamine‐formaldehyde (MF) are presented. Composites were manufactured by pressing stacked planar random veils (webs) or unidirectionally (UD) arranged fibers, and MF impregnated thin cellulose sheets. Non‐vented pressing for 60 s was used. Also, planar random, UD and bidirectional fiber composites with or without alumina trihydrate (ATH) were manufactured by conventional compression molding using much longer times (up to 20 min). Tensile strength of about 500 MPa and stiffness of 60 GPa was obtained for the UD composite containing 23 vol% fiber, and no ATH. Practically the same strength was measured for the bidirectional composite containing 46 vol% fiber and no ATH. Tensile strength and modulus of 130 MPa and 28 GPa, respectively, was obtained for the random fiber composite containing 16 vol% fiber. Measurements showed that replacement of ATH with cellulose in a composite containing 6 vol% carbon fibers increased the strength (2.5 times) without any penalty on stiffness, and increased strain at break. Cf‐MF interfacial strength is low. This was estimated for clean fibers by means of transverse tensile testing and in‐situ scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and for fibers with an epoxy compatible coating by using the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) test. The cf/MF/cellulose composite performed well up to 200°C. Within this temperature range it retained 80% of its stiffness compared to about 60% in the case of a representative epoxy with a higher content of carbon fibers.     

Friction properties of sisal fiber/nano‐silica reinforced phenol formaldehyde composites

The friction‐resistant sisal fiber/nano‐silica phenol formaldehyde resin composites were prepared through compression molding. To enhance the bonding between the sisal fiber (SF) and polymer matrix, SF were treated with different surface modifiers. The worn surfaces of composites were observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The result shows that the matrix of nano‐silica phenol formaldehyde resin can relieve the heat fade of the friction materials. Meanwhile sisal fibers treated with borax have effectively improved the friction and wear properties of the composites when the fiber content was 15%. POLYM. COMPOS. 36:433–438, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Mechanical properties of E‐glass fiber reinforced siliconized epoxy polymer composites

Siliconized epoxy‐matrix systems have been developed by an interpenetrating mechanism using epoxy resins GY 250 and LY 556 (Ciba‐Geigy) and hydroxyl terminated polydimethylsiloxane with γ‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane as crosslinker in the presence of dibutyltindilaurate catalyst. Aliphatic amine (HY 951, Ciba‐Geigy), aromatic amine (HT 972, Ciba‐Geigy) and polyamidoamine (HY 840, Ciba‐Geigy) are used as curing agents for epoxy resins. The tentative level of 10% siloxane introduction into epoxy resin has been ascertained from experimental studies to obtain reasonable improvements in the impact behavior without compromising other mechanical properties. The impact behavior of E‐glass reinforced composites made from the siliconized epoxy resin is enhanced to 2–4 times over that measured on the composites made from a pure epoxy resin. Composites cured with aromatic amine impart better mechanical properties than those cured with aliphatic amine and polyamidoamine.     

Ternary composites based on PP‐EPDM blends reinforced with flax fibers. Part II: Mechanical properties/morphology relationship

The mechanical properties and morphology of ternary composites based on PP‐EPDM blends reinforced with natural flax fibers are analyzed. In order to evaluate the simultaneous effect of the incorporation of both and fibers, an experimental design based on a Doehlert Uniform Net has been employed. The tensile, flexural and impact behaviors of the composites are investigated, and the results show that flax fibers behave as an effective reinforcing agent in these systems. In fact, a considerable increase in the studied properties in the presence of the fibers was observed. It is interesting to note that the reinforcing effect is more noticeable as the EPDM content in the blend increases. Morphological studies by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were also carried out.     

Mechanical properties and foaming behavior of cellulose fiber reinforced high‐density polyethylene composites

This article investigates the effects of fiber length and maleated polymers on the mechanical properties and foaming behavior of cellulose fiber reinforced high‐density polyethylene composites. The results from the mechanical tests suggested that long fibers provided higher flexural and impact properties than short fibers. In addition, the maleated high‐density polyethylene increased flexural strength significantly, while the maleated thermoplastic elastormers increased notched Izod impact strength dramatically. On the other hand, the results from the extrusion foaming indicated that the composites with long and short fibers demonstrated similar cell morphology, i.e., a similar average cell size and cell size distribution. However, the addition of maleated high‐density polyethylene caused an increase of the average cell size and cell size distribution in the composites. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Preparation and properties of composites based on melamine‐formaldehyde foam and nano‐Fe3O4

In this work, a novel melamine‐formaldehyde‐Fe₃O₄ foam was prepared from a mixture containing melamine‐ethanolamine‐formaldehyde resin, melamine‐glycol‐formaldehyde resin and carboxylated Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles by microwave foaming method. The two resins were characterized by ¹³C‐NMR, respectively. The structures of foams, mechanical and fire‐retardant properties were experimentally characterized separately by scanning electron microscopy, universal testing machine, limit oxygen index, thermogravimetry‐differential thermal analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectra. The effects of the resin viscosity, emulsifier, nucleating agent, curing agent, silicone oil, microwave heating time and blowing agent on the structure of foam were investigated. Results showed that the properties of foam were decided by not only the molecular structure but also structure of foam, and the carboxylated Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles can improve the toughness and flame retardant properties of magnetic foam obviously from both aspects. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2688–2697, 2013     

Syntheses and properties of low‐level melamine‐modified urea–melamine–formaldehyde resins

Syntheses of urea–melamine–formaldehyde (UMF) resins were studied using 2–12% melamine levels and UF base resins that were preadvanced to various different extents. The melamine reaction was carried out at pH 6.3 with F/(U + M) mole ratio of 2.1 until a target viscosity of V was reached (Gardener–Holdt) and then the second urea added at pH 8.0 to give a final F/(U + M) mole ratio of 1.15. Analyses with ¹³C‐NMR and viscosity measurements showed that MF components react fast and the UF components very slowly in the melamine reaction. Therefore, as the extent of preadvancement of UF base resin was decreased, the reaction time to reach the target viscosity became longer and the MF resin components showed high degrees of polymerization. The overpolymerization of MF components resulted in increasingly more opaque resins, with viscosity remaining stable for more than a month. As the preadvancement of UF base resin was increased, the extent of advancement of MF components decreased, to give clearer resins, with viscosity slowly increasing at room temperature. Overall, preadvancing the UF base resin components to an appropriate extent was found to be a key to synthesizing various low‐level melamine‐modified UMF resins. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 2559–2569, 2004     

Mechanical properties and dynamic mechanical analysis of thermoplastic‐natural‐rubber‐reinforced short carbon fiber and kenaf fiber hybrid composites

The hybridization of thermoplastic natural rubber based on carbon fiber (CF) and kenaf fiber (KF) was investigated for its mechanical and thermal properties. Hybrid composites were fabricated with a melt‐blending method in an internal mixer. Samples with overall fiber contents of 5, 10, 15, and 20 vol % were subjected to flexural testing, and samples with up to 30% fiber content were subjected to impact testing. For flexural testing, generally, the strength and modulus increased up to 15 vol % and then declined. However, for impact testing, higher fiber contents resulted in an increment in strength in both treated and untreated composites. Thermal analysis was carried out by means of dynamic mechanical analysis on composites with 15 vol % fiber content with fractions of CF to KF of 100/0, 70/30, 50/50, 30/70, and 0/100. Generally, the storage modulus, loss modulus, and tan δ for the untreated hybrid composite were more consistent and better than those of the treated hybrid composites. The glass‐transition temperature of the treated hybrid composite was slightly lower than that of the untreated composite, which indicated poor damping properties. A scanning electron micrograph of the fracture surface of the treated hybrid composite gave insight into the damping characteristics. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Mechanical properties of fire‐damaged glass‐reinforced phenolic composites

Changes to the mechanical and physical properties of a glass‐reinforced resole phenolic composite due to intense radiant heat and fire are investigated. Fire testing was performed using a cone calorimeter, with the composite exposed to incident heat fluxes of 25, 50, 75 or 100 kW/m² for 325 s and to a constant flux of 50 kW/m² for different times up to 1800 s. The post‐fire tensile and flexural properties were determined at room temperature, and these decreased rapidly with increasing heat flux and heat exposure time due mainly to the chemical degradation of the phenolic resin matrix. The intense radiant heat did not cause any physical damage to the composite until burning began on exposure to a high heat flux. The damage consisted of cracking and combustion of the phenolic matrix at the heat‐exposed surface, but this only caused a small reduction to the mechanical properties. The implication of the findings for the use of glass‐reinforced resole phenolic composites in load‐bearing structures for marine craft and naval ships, where fire is a potential hazard, is discussed. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mechanical properties of surface‐modified ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene fiber reinforced natural rubber composites

The mechanical properties of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers reinforced natural rubber (NR) composites were determined, and the effects of fiber surface treatment and fiber mass fraction on the mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. Chromic acid was used to modify the UHMWPE fibers, and the results showed that the surface roughness and the oxygen‐containing groups on the surface of the fibers could be effectively increased. The NR matrix composites were prepared with as‐received and chromic acid treated UHMWPE fibers added 0–6 wt%. The treated UHMWPE fibers increased the elongation at break, tear strength, and hardness of the NR composites, especially the tensile stress at a given elongation, but reduced the tensile strength. The elongation at break increased markedly with increasing fiber mass fraction, attained maximum values at 3.0 wt%, and then decreased. The tear strength and hardness exhibited continuous increase with increasing the fiber content. Several microfibrillations between the fiber and NR matrix were observed from SEM images of the fractured surfaces of the treated UHMWPE fibers/NR composites, which meant that the interfacial adhesion strength was improved. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:1215–1220, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Mechanical properties and morphology of nylon‐6 hybrid composites

In this investigation, the influence of filler type and filler content on the mechanical properties of nylon‐6 is investigated. The mineral fillers were selected on the basis of their shape and size: flake‐like kaolin and talc, spherical glass beads or fibrous wollastonite. These fillers were added to nylon‐6 individually or in mixed combinations. They were added at different percentages varying between 10 and 30% w/w. Samples of the composites were prepared by the injection moulding process. Uniaxial tensile, Izod impact and flexural tests were carried out. Tensile strength, elongation at break, modulus of elasticity and impact energy were obtained and compared. In case of single fillers the results showed that the tensile strength, modulus of elasticity and their flexural values for nylon‐6 composite improve with the increase in filler content while mixed compounds showed no significant changes above 15% + 15% w/w filler. However, for single and mixed filler up to 10% w/w, the impact strength and maximum elongation at break showed significant decrease. In general, the maximum improvement in mechanical the addition of 10–15% w/w filler. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry     

Mechanical properties of glass fiber/organic fiber mixed–mat reinforced thermoplastic composites

The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of different types of fibers on the mechanical properties of hybrid composite materials. Long and short glass fibers (GF) and different types of organic fibers, viz. aramid fiber, DuPont Kevlar‐49 (KF), liquid crystalline polymer (LCP), and vinylon (VF) in hybrid composites, were used to reinforced the high density polyethylene (HDPE) matrix. The long fiber hybrid composites were prepared in a “fiber separating and flying machine,” while the short fiber hybrid composites were prepared in an “elastic extruder.” The total amount of fibers used in both long and short fiber hybrid composites was fixed at 20 vol%. The influence of fiber content, length, and mixing ratio on mechanical properties, such as tensile, bending, Izod and high rate impact strength, as well as viscoelastic propertics in the solid state, was studied. Fracture surfaces of the materials were also examined using a scanning electron microscopy.     

Mechanical properties and water absorption of fiber‐reinforced polypropylene composites prepared by bagasse and beech fiber

The present study investigates the tensile, flexural, notched Izod impact, and water absorption properties of bagasse and beech reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites as a function of fiber content. The surface of fibers was modified through the use of maleated polypropylene (MAPP) coupling agent. From this study, it was found that mechanical properties increase with an increase in fiber loading in both cases. However, the addition of wood fibers resulted in a decrease in impact strength of the composites. The water absorption property at varying fiber loading was evaluated and found maximum for the BA/PP composites. The weight gains for all specimens were less than 7%. In general, the results showed the usefulness of bagasse fiber as a good alternative and reinforcing agent for composite. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Mechanical properties of teak wood flour‐reinforced HDPE composites

Mechanical properties such as tensile and impact strength behavior of teak wood flour (TWF)‐filled high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) composites were evaluated at 0–0.32 volume fraction (Φ_f) of TWF. Tensile modulus and strength initially increased up to Φ_f = 0.09, whereas a decrease is observed with further increase in the Φ_f. Elongation‐at‐break and Izod impact strength decreased significantly with increase in the Φ_f. The crystallinity of HDPE also decreased with increase in the TWF concentration. The initial increase in the tensile modulus and strength was attributed to the mechanical restraint, whereas decrease in the tensile properties at Φ_f > 0.09 was due to the predominant effect of decrease in the crystallinity of HDPE. The mechanical restraint decreased the elongation and Izod impact strength. In the presence of coupling agent, maleic anhydride‐grafted HDPE (HDPE‐g‐MAH), the tensile modulus and strength enhanced significantly because of enhanced interphase adhesion. However, the elongation and Izod impact strength decreased because of enhanced mechanical restraint on account of increased phase interactions. Scanning electron microscopy showed a degree of better dispersion of TWF particles because of enhanced phase adhesion in the presence of HDPE‐g‐MAH. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Interface stability behaviors of methanol‐melamine‐formaldehyde shell microPCMs/epoxy matrix composites

Microcapsules containing phase change materials (microPCMs) have been widely applied in smart temperature‐controlling materials. Interface stability plays a key role in these microPCMs/matrix composites. The aim of this study was to investigate the interface stability behaviors of methanol‐melamine‐formaldehyde (MMF) shell microPCMs containing paraffin/epoxy matrix composites. MMF prepolymer can be applied to fabricated microcapsules with smooth shells. The average diameter of the microPCMs could be controlled in the range of 5–45 μm by stirring speed of 500–6,000 r min⁻¹. From the SEM morphologies of the interphase between the microPCMs and the epoxy‐matrix, it is concluded that the interaction may be enhanced by MMF graft structure due to the increasing of molecular interaction in the interface. During a repeated heat‐transmission process, not only the repeated‐times of thermal absorbing‐releasing process will damage the interface bonding, but also higher thermal conductive speed will make the interface bearing more debonding stress. Large microPCMs in matrix may supply better interface stability. Moreover, the numerical and experimental results are consistent to obtain a clear insight into the rule of interface debonding for microPCMs/matrix composites that the interface perfection can be enhanced by increasing the thickness of interphase. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Mechanical,morphology, and thermal properties of carbon fiber reinforced poly(butylene succinate) composites

Biodegradable poly(butylene succinate) (PBS)/carbon fiber (CF) composites were prepared by melt blending method using twin‐screw extruder followed by injection molding. Mechanical properties, crystallization behavior, morphology, crystal structure, and thermal stability of PBS/CF composites were investigated with different CF contents (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%). It was found that the tensile and impact properties of the composites were improved markedly with the addition of CF; while too much CF would lead to agglomeration and thus weaken the improvement. Scanning electron microscopic photographs on the fracture surfaces showed superior interfacial adhesion between fibers and PBS matrix. Crystallization peak temperature of PBS in its composites was increased due to the heterogeneous effect of CF. The spherulite size of PBS/CF composites decreased and the nucleation density increased drastically. The crystal structure was not affected by the incorporation of CF, as confirmed from the wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction analysis. thermogravimetric analysis showed that the thermal stability of PBS/CF composites was also enhanced. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:1335–1345, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Mechanical properties and morphology of polypropylene composites. III. Short glass fiber reinforced elastomer modified polypropylene

The impact strength and rigidity of polypropylene composites can be significantly improved by application of short glass fibers instead of mineral fillers in elastomer-modified polypropylene. The properties of such composites are strongly dependent on the adhesive forces at the fiber-matrix interface. Poor adhesion results in interfacial fracture solely by fiber-matrix debonding, as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy on the fracture surfaces. This is accompanied by relatively low impact strengths. By contrast, increased adhesion leads to fracture not only by fiber-matrix debonding, but also by crack propagation through the elastomeric phase at the fiber surface. This mechanism is thought to be responsible for a remarkable increase of the impact strength. Appropriate compositions of polypropylene, glass fiber, and elastomer resulted in composite properties similar to, or even better than, those of a typical acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer. The lengths of the fibers recovered from the test specimens were somewhat smaller than the critical fiber lengths as calculated by simple shear lag theory. The properties of the present composites should thus be regarded as minima, rather than as potential maxima. This suggests that current composites may be suitable for engineering applications.     

Mechanical and open hole tensile properties of self‐reinforced PET composites with recycled PET fiber reinforcement

The tensile strength of notched composites is an important factor for composite structural design. However, no literature is available on the notch sensitivity of self‐reinforced polymer composites. In this study, self‐reinforced recycled poly (ethylene terephthalate) (srrPET) composites were produced by film stacking from fabrics composed of double covered uncommingled yarns (DCUY). Composite specimens were subjected to uniaxial tensile, flexural, and Izod impact tests and the related results compared with earlier ones achieved on srPET composites reinforced with nonrecycled technical PET fibers. Effects of open circular holes on the tensile strength of srrPETs were studied at various width‐to‐hole diameter (W/D) ratios of the specimens. In the open hole tensile (OHT) measurements bilinear (yielding followed by post‐yield hardening) stress–strain curves were recorded. The srrPET composites had extremely high yield strength retention (up to 142%) and high breaking strength retention (up to 81%) due to the superior ductile nature of the srrPETs, which induces plastic yielding near the hole thereby reducing the stress concentration effect. The results proved that srrPET composites are tough, ductile notch‐insensitive materials. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43682.     

Mechanical,thermal, and water absorption properties of melamine–formaldehyde‐treated sisal fiber containing poly(lactic acid) composites

The present study focuses on the melamine–formaldehyde (MF) coating ratio and silanization of PLA/sisal composites. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) was melt blended with short sisal fiber with and without MF resin coating. MF was applied at different weight ratios (sisal:MF = 1:1; 1:3, and 1:5) to coat the untreated or silanized sisal fibers which were incorporated up to 20 parts per hundred resin (phr) amount in PLA. PLA/sisal composites were produced by compression molding. It was found that the sisal:MF coating ratio at 1:1 by weight improved the tensile strength and tensile modulus of the composite with 10 phr sisal by 4% and 57%, respectively, compared to the virgin PLA. The initial and final decomposition (T_i) and (T_f) of PLA with untreated sisal were changed from 330.8 and 367.1 to 336.2 and 370.4 °C, respectively, after MF‐coating (sisal:MF weight ratio = 1:1). This enhancement in thermal stability was attributed to the strong interaction between the MF and sisal fiber. The water absorption of PLA/MF–sisal composites slightly decreased with increasing sisal:MF ratio. This is due to the fact that the MF‐coating substantially reduced the hydrophilic properties of sisal. Moreover, FTIR spectra and SEM images proved that sisal fibers were coated by MF resin successfully. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 45681.     

Synthesis and properties of high-sulfonated melamine–formaldehyde resin

High-sulfonated melamine–formaldehyde (HSMF) resins were prepared with 1.0–2.0 of sulfite/melamine (S/M) molar ratio. The factors affecting the preparation and the properties of the resin were studied. Chemical analysis indicated that there are 0.98–1.96 sulfonate groups per unit of the polymeric chain. The viscosity of HSMF resins is lower than that of sulfonated melamine–formaldehyde (SMF) resins, and the HSMF resins are more effective superplasticizers at small dosages of admixture. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.