Properties of glass‐filled thermoplastic polyesters

The thermal, mechanical, and rheological properties of glass‐filled poly(propylene terephthalate) (GF PPT) were compared to glass‐filled poly(butylene terephthalate) (GF PBT). The impetus for this study was the recent commercial interest in PPT as a new glass‐reinforced thermoplastic for injection‐molding applications. This article represents the first systematic comparison of the properties of GF PPT and GF PBT in which differences in properties can be attributed solely to differences in the polyester matrices, that is, glass‐fiber size and composition, polymer melt viscosity, nucleant content and composition, polymerization catalyst composition and content, and processing conditions were kept constant. Under these controlled conditions, GF PPT showed marginally higher tensile and flexural properties and significantly lower impact strength compared to GF PBT. The crystallization behavior observed by cooling from the melt at a constant rate showed that GF PBT crystallized significantly faster than did GF PPT. Nucleation of GF PPT with either talc or sodium stearate increased the rate of crystallization, but not to the level of GF PBT. The slower crystallization rate of GF PPT was found to strongly affect thermomechanical properties of injection‐molded specimens. For example, increasing the polymer molecular weight and decreasing the mold temperature significantly increased the modulus drop associated with the glass transition. In contrast, the modulus–temperature response of GF PBT was just marginally influenced by the polymer molecular weight and was essentially independent of the mold temperature. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 74: 889–899, 1999     

Stamping of continuous fiber thermoplastic composites

Despite demonstrated success in low volume aerospace and defense applications, structural composites remain at the periphery of high volume industries such as construction, automotive, and consumer goods because of long cycle times. Stamping provides a means of making composite sheet products at rates ten to a hundred times faster than any existing continuous fiber processes. However, to make composites stamping a viable process, one must understand how the combination of fabric architecture, tool design, and process conditions interact to produce a part free of wrinkling and tearing. In this paper, the effect of temperature, stamping rate, and boundary constraints on the material deformation is presented. The focus of this study is a co‐mingled glass/polypropylene fabric, in the form of a layer of unidirectional yarns held together by stitches. The results show that temperature variations have the greatest effect on deformation. In addition, a finite element model of parallel strips with linear constraints was shown to successfully simulate the sliding deformation or draw‐in of the stitched unidirectional material.     

A phenomenological study of the mechanical properties of long‐fiber filled injection‐molded thermoplastic composites

Tensile and flexural tests on specimens cut from rectangular injection‐molded plaques show that long‐fiber filled thermoplastic composites are complex, non‐homogeneous, anistropic material systems. Like all fiber‐filled materials, they exhibit through‐thickness nonhomogeneity as indicated by differences between tensile and flexural properties. The in‐plane orientation of fibers in through‐thickness layers causes the material to have in‐plane anisotropic properties. However, these long‐fiber filled materials exhibit an unexpectedly large level of in‐plane nonhomogeneity. Also, the effective mechanical properties of these materials are strongly thickness dependent. The thinnest plaques exhibit the largest differences between the flow and cross‐flow tensile properties. These differences decrease with increasing thickness. A methodology for part design with this class of materials is discussed.     

Strength properties of discontinuous fiber composites

The longitudinal strengths of unidirectional discontinuous fiber composites have been calculated based on the concept of perturbation effect and the distortional energy criterion, utilizing the finite-element method. The theoretical results thus obtained are compared with the experimental data as well as the results of shear lag analysis for tungsten-copper, boron-aluminum, glass-epoxy and boron-epoxy composites. Based on the Jackson-Cratchley equations, modified for discontinuous fibers, a formula is also proposed for calculating the strengths of randomly oriented discontinuous fiber composites. The results calculated from this formula are compared with the experimental data for aluminum oxide-aluminum-silicon and glass-epoxy composites.     

纤维增强热塑性片材的分类与应用

对国内外已投入市场或正开发中的纤维增强热塑性塑料片材进行了科学分类,分析了以其为原料生产复合材料制品的工艺方法及相关参数,叙述了主要用途,并介绍了贮存与可持续发展一原料循环利用的方法。     

Rheology of short fiber filled thermoplastics

We examine the applicability of the conformation tensor to describe the fiber orientation and rheology of moderately concentrated fiber-filled thermoplastics subjected to large deformation flow. To retain computational simplicity, we assume a Newtonian matrix. We present a model that can account for orientation effects, Brownian motion, semiflexibility, and interactions through excluded volume effect, of the fibers. The model predicts a wide variety of rheological effects. We present predictions of steady shear viscosity, primary normal stress and the creep functions, as well as uniaxial elongational viscosity, due to the fibers. We have compared rheological data for 9.54 wt% carbon fibers in polyethylene and 30 wt% glass fibers in polypropylene, with the model predictions. By defining an “effective fiber concentration,” we have been able to correlate the model well with data. With fitting parameters from the steady state viscosity vs. shear rate data, we have been able to predict the steady state primary stress coefficient data as well as the creep data.     

Anisotropy in mechanical and dynamic properties of composites based on carbon fiber filled thermoplastic elastomeric blends of natural rubber and high density polyethylene

The effects of short carbon fibers on static and dynamic properties of thermoplastic elastomeric blends of natural rubber (NR) and high density polyethylene (HDPE) have been studied. Both mechanical and dynamic properties are dependent on fiber concentration. The fiber aspect ratio ranges from 20 to 30. Adhesion between fiber and matrix is evident from the SEM photomicrographs of the failed composites and from variation of relative damping properties. Fiber orientation occurring during processing causes anisotropy in the physical properties. In composites with longitudinally oriented fibers, tensile failure occurs by both fiber pullout and breakage, while in composites with transversely oriented fibers, matrix failure dominates. The incorporation of fibers into the matrix lowers the tan δ_max value, but no change in glass transition temperature is observed.     

长纤维增强热塑性复合材料的开发与应用

长纤维增强热塑性复合材料以其优异的性能成为高分子复合材料研发与应用的热点。笔者综述了长纤维增强热塑性复合材料的性能特征、研发历史与现状、产品形式与制造技术、应用状况,展望了长纤维增强热塑性复合材料的发展前景。     

Interfacial properties of regenerated cellulose fiber and thermoplastic systems

In dry-formed polymer-bonded networks of cellulose fibers and in other types of nonwovens, the fiber-polymer joint is considered to be the primary factor determining the ultimate properties of the network structure. In an attempt to develop a model describing the joint failure, the well-known fiber pullout test has been applied to a system consisting of regenerated cellulose fibers and three different polymer matrices: a styrene–acrylate copolymer, poly(vinyl alcohol), and high density polyethylene. For each system, the interfacial bond strength was evaluated. The results are, to some extent, discussed in relation to the mechanical behavior of dry-formed networks bonded with similar polymeric materials. It is suggested that both the interfacial properties and the cohesive strength of the polymer binder are of importance for the mechanical strength of the bonded network.     

Mechanisms of fracture in filled thermosetting resins

Fracture properties of a wide range of filled unsaturated polyester resin composites have been investigated with respect to filler size, shape, loading and adhesion to the matrix resin. Mechanisms are proposed for the fracture behaviors found, based on geometrical considerations of interacting filler particles and stress concentrations which result from them.     

Mechanical properties of short fiber reinforced thermoplastic blends

An immiscible thermoplastic component was added to a conventional short fiber reinforced polymer to study its effect on the mechanical properties of the composite. Because of the preferential wetting of the fiber reinforcement a continuous network was formed of fibers ‘welded’ together by the minor component within the matrix polymer.Polyethylene (PE) was used as the matrix, polyamide-6 (PA6) as dispersed polymer phase and glass fibers (GF) as reinforcement. The obtained composite retained unusually high values of the elasticity modulus at temperatures above the melting point of the matrix. The upper limit of the ‘applicability’ of the material is determined by the melting point of the minor component. A simple model was derived to describe the mechanical properties of the composite. The model shows a good agreement with the experimental data. The influence of the model parameters on the predictions of the model was examined.     

Rheology of thermoplastic matrix short glass fiber composites

An experimental investigation of the processing of glass-fiber reinforced polypropylene is presented. Final fiber length distribution, chopped strand disgregation, matrix and composite rheological properties, die swelling, and surface morphology are analyzed. Strand disgregation is observed to increase with shear rate and fiber concentration and to decrease with the length of the die. Final fiber length distribution appears to be independent of die length but decreases with fiber concentration and shear rate. The viscosity and first normal coefficient functions show a linear dependence with shear rate and increases with fiber concentration. The extruded filament surface shows a minor roughness when the shear rate increases. The results of this experimental characterization give useful information for determining the influence of processing variables on the final properties of short fiber reinforced polypropylene and constitutes the first part of a more ambitious project that also includes the development of a modeling strategy of the processing behavior of short fiber composites.     

Impregnation of thermoplastic resin in jute fiber mat

Impregnation rate of thermoplastic resin (polypropylene) in jute fiber mat and influence of relative factors on impregnation were studied, aiming to develop the continuous melt impregnation technique and to investigate the effect of impregnation rate and temperature on processing conditions and mechanical properties of natural fiber mat-reinforced thermoplastics. Influence of pressure on porosity of fiber mat and effect of melt viscosity on impregnation rate were also investigated. The modified capillary rheometer was used as apparatus and experimental data were analyzed based on the one-dimension Darcy’s law. Results showed that at a given pressure, the impregnation rate is inversely proportional to melt viscosity and jute fiber mat has higher porosity than glass fiber mat. The architecture, compressibility, permeability and fiber diameter of jute fiber mat were compared with those of glass fiber mat and their effects on impregnation were discussed further. It could be seen that the average diameter of jute fiber is much bigger; the porosity of jute fiber mat is significantly higher and inner bundle impregnation does not exist in jute fiber mat. Therefore, it is not difficult to understand why the impregnation rate in jute fiber mat is 3.5 times higher and permeability is 14 times greater. Kozeny constants of jute and glass fiber mats calculated based on the capillary model are 2950 and 442, respectively. __________ Translated from Journal of Chemical Engineering of Chinese Universities, 2007, 21(4): 586–591 [译自: 高校化学工程学报]     

Microhardness of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy and thermoplastic polyimide composites

We have examined the micro indentation hardness of a series of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy and thermoplastic polyimide (TPI) composites. In the epoxy systems, the influence of Nylon particles was studied. The effect of crystallization of the thermoplastic polyimide upon the microhardness values of the resin was also investigated. The microstructure of the TPI-composites was characterized by X-ray diffraction. The results show that the addition of carbon fibers to the neat resins greatly increases the microhardness and thus the yield stress of the composite. The value of the microhardness technique is highlighted in emphasizing the heterogeneity of the CFRC.     

Analysis of interface granularity in discontinuous fiber composites

The state-of-the-art in carbon-nanotube/polymer composites produces only moderate increases in modulus and strength over the performance of neat polymers. The nanotube/polymer interface is granular; therefore, models and concepts based on the continuum assumption may no longer apply. This study uses the finite element method to demonstrate the effect of a granular interface in a discontinuous-fiber/polymer composite. Three strategies for bonding are considered, and modulus distribution and effective composite moduli are obtained. It is found that both the shape of the interface-distribution and the total bond density control the effective modulus of the composite. Results imply that it should be beneficial to increase the number of bonding sites, even if that degrades the fiber's modulus, because the optimum composite modulus might be higher because of better load transfer to the fiber.     

Highly filled thermoplastic composites. II: Effects of particle size distribution on some properties

The effect of irregularly shaped glass particle size and size distribution on the packing density and flexural mechanical properties of highly-filled composites with a rubbery thermoplastic matrix was studied. Increasing the particle's median size and size distribution width significantly increases the packing density of the composites. Compression molding causes the glass particles to fracture at a decreasing level with an increasing distribution width. Particle median size, rather than size distribution, affects the mechanical properties; The flexural modulus and strength increase and the ultimate deflection in flexure decreases with a decreasing median size. A “glass network” is formed in the compression molded composites because of the mechanical interlocking of particles. The nature of this continuous glass phase predominates the composites mechanical behavior. The particle's size and shape determine the nature of the glass network and, thus, have a dominating effect on the mechanical properties. The latter are significantly affected by the particle's surface properties. A specific silane treatment of the glass particles acts to reduce the particle/particle friction, resulting in a higher packing density. The treatment also acts as a cohesive liquid to increase the strength of the glass network, and to increase the particle/polymer adhesion, increasing the composites' strength and ductility.     

纳米炭黑填充的Lyocell纤维的结构与性能

研究了纳米炭黑在Lyocell纺丝溶液中的分散性,制备不同含量纳米炭黑填充的Lyocell纤维,分析了纤维的结构与性能。结果表明:纳米炭黑在Lyocell纺丝溶液中具有良好的分散性;所得的纤维仍然具有纤维素Ⅱ晶型的结构,同时还保留了纳米炭黑的特征衍射峰;填充了纳米炭黑的纤维力学性能略有降低,但热稳定性不变;SEM结果表明纳米炭黑填充的Lyocell纤维表面光滑且截面为圆形,结构更加致密。     

Tensile properties of injection molded long fiber thermoplastic composites

This paper deals with the mechanical performances of a new class of injection molded long fiber composites based on PP and PBT matrices. Effects of material parameters such as fiber concentration, breakage, orientation, and matrix composition are analyzed. The critical fiber length, l, of the PP long fiber composite, evaluated from the pull-out length of the tensile fracture surface, was found to be much higher than those previously reported. Tensile strength calculated from the measured ll and fiber length distribution in the molded samples was found to be in agreement with the measured values. From this work it is concluded that higher mechanical performances of the long fiber reinforced thermoplastics will be attained by the injection molding process to further reduce fiber breakage.     

凯芙拉纤维/尼龙6热塑性复合材料的研制

研究了凯芙拉纤维与尼龙 6单体通过阴离子原位聚合制备热塑性复合材料的方法。以氢氧化钠为引发剂 ,甲苯二异氰酸酯 (TDI)为活化剂 ,确定体系的聚合温度为 160℃ ,引发剂、活化剂用量为6.42 m ol/L ,聚合时间 60 min,在此条件下聚合速度较快 ,单体转化率 1h后达 95 %以上。研究发现 ,凯芙拉纤维经酰化处理后 ,基本上不会对己内酰胺阴离子聚合体系产生阻聚作用