Tensile properties of short sisal fiber-reinforced polyethylene composites

Sisal fibers (Agave-Veracruz) have been used as reinforcements in low-density polyethylene (LDPE). The influence of the processing method and the effect of fiber content, fiber length, and orientation on tensile properties of the composites have been evaluated. The fiber damage that normally occurs during blending of fiber and polyethylene by the meltmixing method is avoided by adopting a solution-mixing procedure. The tensile properties of the composites thus prepared show a gradual increase with fiber content. The properties also increased with fiber length, to a maximum at a fiber length of about 6 mm. Unidirectional alignment of the short fibers achieved by an extrusion process enhanced the tensile strength and modulus of the composites along the axis of fiber alignment by more than twofold compared to randomly oriented fiber composites. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Tensile properties of short sisal fiber reinforced polystyrene composites

The tensile properties of polystyrene reinforced with short sisal fiber and benzoylated sisal fiber were studied. The influence of fiber length, fiber content, fiber orientation, and ben-zoylation of the fiber on the tensile properties of the composite were evaluated. The ben-zoylation of the fiber improves the adhesion of the fiber to the polystyrene matrix. the benzoylated fiber was analyzed by IR spectroscopy. Experimental results indicate a better compatibility between benzoylated fiber and polystyrene. the benzoylation of the sisal fiber was found to enhance the tensile properties of the resulting composite. The tensile properties of unidirectionally aligned composites show a gradual increase with fiber content and a leveling off beyond 20% fiber loading. The properties were found to be almost independent of fiber length although the ultimate tensile strength shows marginal improvement at 10 mm fiber length. The thermal properties of the composites were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry. Scanning electron microscopy was used to investigate the fiber surface, fiber pullout, and fiber–matrix interface. Theoretical models have been used to fit the experimental mechanical data. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

The effects of surface treatments of fibers on the interfacial properties in single-fiber composites

The interfacial properties between fibers and the matrix contribute to the overall properties in high performance composites. Plasma treatments (Ar, O₂, CF₄/O₂, N₂/H₂) have been performed on carbon fibers to improve the fiber-matrix interaction. The treatment efficiency was checked by the single-fiber technique, while the surface chemistry and morphology were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), static secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SSIMS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The O₂- and N₂/H₂-plasma treatments proved most effective both for introducing oxygen-containing functionalities at the fiber surface and for improving the interfacial shear strength of carbon fiber/epoxy composites. A relationship between the oxygen concentration at the fiber surface and the interfacial shear strength is demonstrated.     

Effect of fiber surface treatments on the properties of short sisal fiber/poly(lactic acid) biocomposites

Sisal fiber (SF)‐reinforced poly(lactic acid) (PLA) biocomposites were prepared from biodegradable PLA and surface‐untreated or ‐treated short SF by melt mixing and subsequent compression molding. It is found that the surface treatments facilitate good adhesion between SFs and PLA matrix, which is consistent with the higher mechanical properties of the treated‐SF/PLA biocomposites. Moreover, the surface treatments have similar effects on the biodegradability and water absorption of the biocomposites with the order as following: neat PLA < acetylated SF (A‐SF)/PLA biocomposite ≈ silane‐treated SF (S‐SF)/PLA biocomposite < permanganate‐treated SF (P‐SF)/PLA biocomposite < mercerized SF (M‐SF)/PLA biocomposite < untreated fiber (U‐SF)/PLA biocomposite. In terms of overall consideration of the properties, acetylation treatment seems to be the most desirable surface method owing to the maximum tensile strength and water resistance, medium impact strength, and minimum degradability of the A‐SF/PLA biocomposite. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Oxygen plasma treatment of sisal fibers and polypropylene: Effects on mechanical properties of composites

Polypropylene powder and sisal fibers were oxygen plasma treated, and the mechanical properties of their composites were tested. Two main effects were investigated: the incorporation of oxygen polar groups in the polypropylene surface and the surface degradation and chain scission of both polypropylene and sisal fibers. Prior to these treatments, three reactor configurations were tested to investigate the best condition for both effects to occur in PP films. Results showed that polypropylene‐cellulose adhesion forces are about an order of magnitude higher for PP film treatments at 13.56 MHz than at 40 kHz owing to much higher chain scission at lower frequencies, although it probably also occurs at high frequency and high power. Polypropylene powder treated with oxygen plasmas in optimum conditions for polar group incorporation did not result in improvement in any composite mechanical property, probably owing to the polymer melting. Sisal fibers and PP powder treated in conditions of surface degradation did not improve flexural or tensile properties but resulted in higher impact resistance, comparable to the improvement obtained with the addition of compatibilizer.     

Influence of chemical treatments on cellulose fibers for use as reinforcements in poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) composites

This work evaluates different chemical treatments on cellulose fibers as reinforcement agents in poly(ethylene‐vinyl acetate) (EVA) composites. The cellulose fibers were prepared with three chemical modifications using triethoxyvinylsilane, acetic anhydride (AA), and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA). Composites were prepared with 10 phr of cellulose fibers by means of extrusion and hot press conformation. The fiber treatment levels were successfully demonstrated through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with the appearance of characteristic bands in each chemical group, and scanning electron micrographs showed altered textures on the surfaces, polymerized material and fiber agglomerations after the chemical treatments that were most evident in the AA and GMA treatments. The composites reinforced with treated fibers showed improvement in their mechanical properties at the yield points and were reduced in deformation. When activated with dicumyl peroxide, the mechanical properties were even more improved and the interface regions exhibited better interactions between the cellulose fibers and the EVA matrix. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:1991–2000, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Surface modification of sisal fibers: Effects on the mechanical and thermal properties of their epoxy composites

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the mechanical and thermal properties of sisal fiber reinforced epoxy matrix composites as a function of modification of sisal fiber by using mercerization and silane treatments. The changes introduced by the treatments on the chemical structure of sisal fibers have been analyzed by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Thermal behavior of both sisal fibers and composites has been studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Both treatments clearly enhanced thermal performance and also mechanical properties of fibers, being other physical properties also modified. Mercerization, above all when combined with silanization, led to significant enhancement on mechanical properties of composites as a consequence of increasing mechanical properties of fibers and improving fiber/matrix adhesion. POLYM. COMPOS., 26:121–127, 2005. © 2005 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Fire behaviour of sisal short fibers reinforced gypsum

The fire behaviour of sisal short fibers reinforeed gypsum in laboratory tests is described Specially designed testing equipment that is easily available has been implemented in this work to analyze the fibers under load and their composite fire performance.     

Influence of red phosphorus on the flame-retardant properties of ethylene vinyl acetate/layered double hydroxides composites

Mg?CAl?CFe ternary layered double hydroxides (LDHs) were synthesized based on Bayer red mud by a calcination?Crehydration method, and characterized using powder X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis techniques. The synergistic flame-retardant effects of red phosphorus (RP) in ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)/LDHs composites were studied with the limiting oxygen index (LOI), the UL 94 test, the cone calorimeter test (CCT), and the smoke density test (SDT). And, the thermal degradation behavior of the composites was examined by thermogravimetry-Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (TG-FTIR) analysis. Results showed that the LOI values of the composites with RP were basically higher than those of the pure EVA sample and composites containing LDHs only. And the addition of a suitable amount of RP in EVA/LDHs/RP composites can apparently favor UL 94 test. In the UL 94 test there was a V-1 rating and dripping phenomena for the composites containing 50?% LDHs. However, the composites containing 47.5?% LDHs and 2.5?% red phosphorus did not drip. The CCT results indicated that the heat release rate (HRR) of the EVA/LDHs/RP composites with a suitable amount of RP decreased in comparison with that of the EVA/LDHs composites. The SDT showed that RP was helpful to smoke suppression. TG-FTIR data showed that the EVA/LDHs/RP composites show a higher thermal stability than the EVA/LDHs composites. A suitable amount of RP in EVA/LDHs/RP composites resulted in an increase in LOI values, a decrease in the HRR, the achievement of the UL 94 V-1 rating with no dripping phenomenon, a good smoke suppression character, and a high thermal stability.     

Melt rheological behavior of starch‐based matrix composites reinforced with short sisal fibers

A systematic analysis of the melt rheological behavior of a commercial starch‐based (MaterBi®) matrix composite reinforced with short sisal fibers is presented. The effects of shear rate, temperature, fiber content and treatment were analyzed by parallel‐plate rheometry, and classical non‐Newtonian models were applied to analyze the pseudoplasticity behavior of the molten composite systems. It is reported that shear rate is the most influential processing condition, while, from the point of view of the material structure, the intercalation effectiveness of the matrix in the fibers is directly linked to the rheological behavior. In fact, processing techniques with high stresses and more efficient mechanical mixing promote the opening of fiber bundles, increasing the aspect ratio of the fibers and the average viscosity of the molten composite. A similar effect on the increase of the aspect ratio and composite viscosity is observed when treated fibers are used. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:1907–1914, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.     

Influence of fumed silica on the flame‐retardant properties of ethylene vinyl acetate/aluminum hydroxide composites

The flammability and synergistic flame‐retardant effects of fumed silica (SiO₂) in ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)/aluminum hydroxide (ATH) blends were studied with limiting oxygen index measurements, UL 94 testing, cone calorimeter testing (CONE), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results show that the addition of a given amount of fumed SiO₂ can apparently improve UL 94 rating. The CONE data indicated that the addition of fumed SiO₂ greatly reduced the heat release rate. The TGA data showed that this synergistic flame‐retardant mechanism of fumed SiO₂ in the EVA/ATH materials was mainly due to the physical process. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

表面处理对剑麻纤维布/不饱和树脂材料性能影响

采用碱、高锰酸钾及热对剑麻纤维布进行了表面处理,并由真空辅助树脂传递模塑成型(VARTM)工艺制备了剑麻纤维布增强不饱和聚酯树脂复合材料。通过对复合材料的力学性能及吸水性的测试,研究了不同剑麻纤维布表面处理对其不饱和聚酯树脂复合材料性能的影响。结果表明:经过碱处理,复合材料的拉伸、弯曲,冲击强度提高最大,可分别提高26.5%,16.5%和22.6%,吸水率降低了47.5%。对剑麻纤维布进行表面处理可使复合材料的界面性能得到改善,力学性能提高,吸水性降低。     

Influence of nonionic emulsifiers on the properties of vinyl acetate/VeoVa10 and vinyl acetate/ethylene emulsions and paints

This paper presents results on the influence of the nonionic surfactant on the properties of vinyl acetate/VeoVa10^® and vinyl acetate/ethylene emulsions and paints made thereof. Emulsions were prepared in which the concentration of the nonionic surfactant and its degree of ethoxylation were varied. An increase of the nonionic emulsifier concentration and of the length of the ethylene oxide chain leads to dispersions with smaller particles and higher viscosities. Using these emulsions as binders in high pigmented paints, it was observed that the pigment binding capacity of the interior paints goes through a maximum which is located at a emulsifier concentration of about 2–3% and at a degree of ethoxylation of 17–28 mol ethylene oxide (EO). In (semi-) gloss paints, the gloss of the paint films improves with an increase of the emulsifier concentration and reaches a constant value at around 4% or a degree of ethoxylation of ca. 17 EO-moieties per molecule. The blocking of the films shows a drastic increase at a concentration above 4% and at a chain length of greater than 17 EO-moieties.     

Processing and thermal properties of composites based on recycled PET,sisal fibers,and renewable plasticizers

This investigation focuses on the preparation of bio‐based composites from recycled poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and sisal fibers (3 cm, 15 wt %), via thermopressing process. Plasticizers derived from renewable raw materials are used, namely, glycerol, tributyl citrate (TBC) and castor oil (CO), to decrease the melting point of the recycled PET (T_m ∼ 265°C), which is sufficiently high to initiate the thermal decomposition of the lignocellulosic fiber. All used materials are characterized by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry, and the composites are also characterized via dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. The storage modulus (30°C) and the tan δ peak values of CT [PET/sisal/TBC] indicate that TBC also acts as a compatibilizing agent at the interface fiber/PET, as well as a plasticizer. To compare different processing methods, rheometry/thermopressing and compression molding are used to prepare the recycled PET/sisal/glycerol/CO composites. These two different methods of processing show no significant influence on the thermal properties of these composites. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40386.     

Relationship between processing and properties of biodegradable composites based on PCL/starch matrix and sisal fibers

Biocomposites were produced using polycaprolactone and starch as matrix, and sisal fibers as reinforcement. The matrix is a biodegradable commercial product called MaterBi‐Z, which is based on a polycaprolactone and starch system. The relationship between processing conditions and properties is reported. An alkaline treatment was performed in order to improve the adhesion and the compatibility of the fiber with the matrix. The effect of the treatment on the tensile properties and morphology was determined. Fiber content enhances the tensile properties of the biodegradable composite. The experimentally observed tensile properties (modulus and tensile strength) of short sisal fiber reinforced MaterBi‐Z matrix composites with different fiber loading are compared with the existing theories of reinforcement. SEM photomicrographs of the fractured composite surfaces are also analyzed.     

剑麻短纤维补强环氧化天然橡胶/PVC复合材料的性能研究

研究了剑麻短纤维用量和环氧化天然橡胶（ＥＮＲ）／ＰＶＣ共混比对剑麻短纤维补强ＥＮＲ／ＦＶＣ复合材料性能的影响。结果表明,该复合材料具有同的硬度和纵向拉伸强度、较低的扯断伸长率和扯断永外变形、良好的耐油和耐老化性能。剑麻短纤维的用量宜为３０份,ＥＮＲ／ＰＶＣ的共混比宜为７０／３０。     

Ethylene vinyl acetate/nanoclay‐based pigment composites: Morphology,rheology, and mechanical,thermal, and colorimetric properties

In this study, a new type of nanopigment, obtained from a nanoclay (NC) and a dye, was synthesized in the laboratory, and these nanopigments were used to color an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer. Several of these nanoclay‐based pigments (NCPs) were obtained through variations in the cation exchange capacity (CEC) percentage of the NC exchanged with the dye and also including an ammonium salt. Composites of EVA and different amounts of the as‐synthesized nanopigments were prepared in a melt‐intercalation process. Then, the morphological, mechanical, thermal, rheological, and colorimetric properties of the samples were assessed. The EVA/NCP composites developed much better color properties than the samples containing only the dye, especially when both the dye and the ammonium salt were exchanged with NC. Their other properties were similar to those of more conventional EVA/NC composites. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2987–2994, 2013     

Effect of short polyethylene terephthalate fibers on properties of ethylene-propylene diene rubber composites

The alteration in some properties of electron beam (EB) cured ethylene-propylene diene rubber (EPDM) reinforced by polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fiber was investigated in this study. Bonding system Resorcinol/Hexamethylenetetramine/Silica (RHS) was used to enhance the fiber/EPDM adhesion and to maintain optimum composite strength properties. Mechanical properties of composites namely; tensile strength, hardness and modulus at 100 % elongation have been enhanced by adding PET fibers and increasing irradiation dose. Moreover, the effect of fiber loading and irradiation dose on the soluble fraction behavior of the composite in benzene was also investigated. The soluble fraction of the composites decreased with increasing the fiber loading and irradiation dose. The extent of fiber alignment and strength of fiber-rubber interface adhesion were analyzed from the anisotropic swelling measurements. In addition, thermal stability of the composites was increased. Besides, the mechanical properties like tensile strength and stiffness were improved by thermal ageing. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for the fractured surfaces and Wide- angle X- ray diffraction (WAXD) of the investigated samples confirmed that the adhesion occurred between fibers and EPDM.     

含氟自交联型醋酸乙烯酯聚合物乳液的制备及表面性能

通过无皂乳液聚合法合成了一种含氟自交联醋酸乙烯酯聚合物,用表面电子能谱仪(ESCA)检测了树脂成膜后的含氟成分的分布情况,测量了涂膜与水、乙二醇的接触角,并应用该聚合物制作了一种氟碳涂料,检测了涂膜的耐冲击性、附着力、柔韧性、硬度、光泽度等常规性能和耐蚀、耐候性能。研究发现,含氟自交联醋酸乙烯酯聚合物成膜时产生了较大取向作用,含氟基团向空气/聚合物界面伸展,对聚合物内部分子形成了很好的保护作用,使涂膜具有较高的防腐性能及优异的耐候、耐蚀性能。相对于纯醋酸乙烯酯聚合物,当氟含量为5.73%时,涂膜光泽度达98.2%,硬度2H,附着力1级,柔韧性1级,耐冲击性50 cm,表面能由0.3751 mN·cm^-1降低到0.1652 mN·cm^-1;经人工气候老化1600 h,涂膜的光泽保留率大于93%;经化学介质浸蚀360 h后,涂膜外观无变化。