Mechanisms for the Improvement in Interfacial Adhesion Between UHMWPE Reinforcement and Nano-epoxy Resins with Reactive Graphitic Nanofibers

Previously developed nano-epoxy matrices with reduced viscosity showed both substantially enhanced mechanical properties and interfacial adhesion with ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers vis-à-vis pure epoxy. In this work, mechanisms for the improvement in the interfacial adhesion were investigated. Atomic Force Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray with Scanning Electron Microscopy analyses indicated that improved performance of the UHMWPE fiber composites with the nano-epoxy containing reactive graphitic nanofibers (r-GNFs) is attributed to mechanical interlocking and a diffusion mechanism. The nano-epoxy with the 'liquid nano-reinforcement' resulting in reduced viscosity provided better wettability, diffusion capability and reinforcing effect, which produced an effective improvement in the adhesion properties.     

Debond behavior of copper fibers in thermoset matrices and their effect on fracture toughening

Single fiber pullout experiments were conducted to determine the adhesion quality, debond behavior and subsequent matrix fracture behavior for a variety of end-modified copper fibers. The matrices were: two different epoxy resins, polyester and polyurethane; the end-modified copper fibers were: straight, flat end-impacted, flat end-impacted with release agent applied and straight end-oxidized. The goal was to determine how the bonding and debonding behavior as well as the pullout behavior of the various fiber-matrix combinations affected the composite fracture toughness increment (ΔG). Results indicate that the greatest improvement in the calculated ΔG occurred with a fiber-matrix combination that had a moderate interface bond strength with an interfacial bond failure, minor matrix damage during fiber pullout and moderate post-debond interface friction. Selective oxidation of the fiber end was performed to determine if chemical anchoring of the fiber end could be as effective as mechanical (end-shaping) anchoring of the fiber into the matrix. Improvement in the adhesion bond strength as a result of the chemical anchoring resulted in a significantly lower ΔG compared to the end-impacted fibers because interfacial failure was not possible. This indicates that for the materials tested, mechanical anchoring of the fiber was better than chemical anchoring in improving ΔG. To decrease the adhesion bond strength and allow the fibers to debond, a release agent was applied to the flat end-impacted fiber prior to embedment into the matrix. This resulted in a significantly lower ΔG compared to straight and flat end-impacted fibers for all matrices tested, because the resulting debonding force and friction were significantly reduced. Pullout curves showed that with release agent applied, the end-shape did not effectively anchor the fiber into the matrix. The reduction in the pullout work indicates that the friction at the fiber-matrix interface plays a crucial role in actively anchoring the end-shaped fiber into the matrix after debonding.     

Fatigue-induced deterioration of the interface between micro-polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber and cement matrix

Quality of interfacial bond between fibers and matrix determines the post-cracking behavior of fiber-reinforced composites. Fatigue-induced interface deterioration between fibers and matrix has not been investigated systematically which prevents understanding of premature failure of fiber-reinforced composites subject to fatigue. This study experimentally investigated the deterioration mechanism of flexible fibers in brittle matrix subject to fatigue load. Specifically, the effect of fatigue-induced deterioration of interface between micro-PVA fiber and cement matrix was studied through the single fiber fatigue pullout tests and the micro-structural deterioration mechanism of the fiber-matrix interface under fatigue load was unveiled. It was found that fatigue load leads to fiber debonding which can be described by an empirical relation similar to the Paris' law. Fatigue-induced interface hardening can occur during fiber debonding stage as well as fiber slippage stage. Oil-treatment on surface of micro-PVA fiber was demonstrated as a mean to mitigate such fatigue-induced interface hardening.     

Deformation mechanisms and mechanical properties of modified polypropylene/wood fiber composites

Mechanical properties and deformation mechanisms of polypropylene (PP)/wood fiber (WFb) composites modified with maleated polypropylene as compatibilizer and styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) as impact modifier have been studied. The addition of maleated polypropylene to the unmodified polypropylene/wood fiber composite enhances the tensile modulus and yield stress as well as the Charpy impact strength. SBR does not cause a drop in the tensile modulus and yield strength because of the interplay between decreasing stiffness and strength by rubber modification and increasing stiffness and strength by good interfacial adhesion between the matrix and fibers. The addition of both maleated polypropylene and rubber to the polypropylene/wood fiber composite does not result in an improvement of effects based on maleated polypropylene and rubber, which includes possible synergism. The deformation mechanisms in unmodified polypropylene/wood fiber composite are matrix brittle fracture, fiber debonding and pullout. A polymeric layer around the fibers created from maleated polypropylene may undergo debonding, initiating local plasticity. Rubber particle cavitation, fiber pullout and debonding were the basic failure mechanisms of rubber-toughened polypropylene/wood fiber composite. When maleated polypropylene was added to this composite, fiber breakage and matrix plastic deformation took place. Polym. Compos. 25:521–526, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.     

Fracture Process of Silicon Carbide Fiber-Reinforced Glasses

This paper evaluates the fracture process for fiber-reinforced glasses under tensile loading. Two types of unidirectionally aligned Nicalon SiC-fiber-reinforced glass with different fiber coatings were examined. One channel acoustic emission (AE) measurement was employed during the tensile tests. Probabilistic fracture analysis as well as the replication technique were used to investigate the relation between the AE signals and fracture processes. The AE technique proved to be an effective method for observing fracture processes of the material systems studied. The fracture process could be distinguished in terms of the AE amplitude. AE signals with high amplitudes corresponded to fiber breaking; AE signals with low amplitudes corresponded to matrix cracking, interfacial debonding, and fiber pullout. In the well-toughened material studied the reinforcing fibers would break extensively over 75% load of the ultimate strength.     

Effect of Plasma Treatment of Polyethylene Fibers on Interface and ementitious Composite Properties

It is well known that interfaces in composites play an important role in determining composite properties. In this paper, preliminary results of the improvement in tensile properties of a fiber-reinforced cementitious composite due to plasma treatment of the discontinuous polyethylene fibers are reported. Specific focus is placed on the pseudo strain-hardening composite properties induced by fiber reinforcements and associated load transfer from crackbridging fibers to matrix. Single fiber pullout tests support that the composite property improvement is indeed derived from interfacial property enhancement of the plasma treatment process.     

Analysis of the pullout of single fibers from low-density polyethylene

In the present work, a single-fiber pullout test was used to study the interface/interphase between various fibers and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and between glass fibers and a range of other thermoplastic matrices. For well-bonded fibers, experimental evidence suggests the involvement of plastic deformation and strain-hardening prior to debonding and pullout. The interfacial shear strength was determined to be the ultimate shear strength of the matrix and was found to be insensitive to the fiber surface structure. A new theoretical model was developed to predict the relationship between the debonding force and the embedded length. The contribution of friction to the debonding force was found to be insignificant when compared with the contribution of plastic deformation. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Moisture absorption and wet-adhesion properties of resin transfer molded (RTM) composites containing elastomer-coated glass fibers

Transient water sorption studies were carried out at constant temperature (45 °C) to assess the hydrolytic stability and wet-adhesion properties of glass fiber/epoxy composites having different sizings. Lower effective diffusivity values correlated with improved overall mechanical performance in relation to the control (unsized) samples, and revealed the importance of changing the surface energy characteristics of glass fibers by using distinctively hydrophobic pure polymers. Admicellar polystyrene and styrene-isoprene coatings formed over the inorganic reinforcement appear to create an interface with much higher resistance to moisture attack than the organosilane/matrix interface in composites with commercial sizing. This fact was corroborated by comparing their effectiveness in property retention, which showed the mechanical property (e.g. ultimate tensile strength, stiffness and interlaminar shear strength) increased with respect to the uncoated composites in the dry state as well as after water saturation. Poor wet-adhesion properties of commercial sizings in humid conditions could perhaps be attributed to higher contents of inert material present in these coatings. Fractography analysis was consistent with the previous observations regarding catastrophic failure in composites without coating, and suggested that interfacial debonding, extensive fiber pullout and matrix crazing were the major contributors to the overall failure mechanism. Failed surfaces of both commercial and elastomer-coated composites also showed areas with fiber pullout, but in this case, matrix residues remained on the fiber surfaces, yielding a much rougher appearance. Good fiber-matrix adhesion, particularly in admicellar-coated composites, was also revealed by the presence of hackles and more tortuous failure paths.     

Fracture behavior of vinylester resin matrix composites reinforced with alkali‐treated jute fibers

Jute fibers were treated with 5% NaOH solution for 4 and 8 h, respectively, to study the mechanical and impact fatigue properties of jute‐reinforced vinylester resin matrix composites. Mechanical properties were enhanced in case of fiber composites treated for 4 h, where improved interfacial bonding (as evident from scanning electron microscopy [SEM]) and increased fiber strength properties contributed effectively in load transfer from the matrix to the fiber; but their superior mechanical property was not retained with fatigue, as they showed poor impact fatigue behavior. The fracture surfaces produced under a three‐point bend test and repeated impact loading were examined under SEM to study the nature of failure in the composites. In case of untreated fiber composites, interfacial debonding and extensive fiber pullout were observed, which lowered the mechanical property of the composites but improved their impact fatigue behavior. In composites treated for 4 h under repeated impact loading, interfacial debonding occurred, followed by fiber breakage, producing a sawlike structure at the fracture surface, which lowered the fatigue resistance property of the composites. The composites with fibers treated with alkali for 8 h showed maximum impact fatigue resistance. Here, interfacial debonding was at a minimum, and the fibers, being much stronger and stiffer owing to their increased crystallinity, suffered catastrophic fracture along with some microfibrillar pullout (as evident from the SEM micrographs), absorbing a lot of energy in the process, which increased the fatigue resistance property of the composites. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 85: 2588–2593, 2002     

Investigation of load transfer between the fiber and the matrix in pull-out tests with fibers having different diameters

Single-fiber pull-out tests were used for investigation of the interfacial bond strength or toughness and load transfer between polymeric matrices and glass fibers having different diameters. The interfacial bond strength was well characterized by an ultimate interfacial shear strength (τ_ult) whose values were nearly independent of the fiber diameter. The same experiments were also analyzed by fracture mechanics methods to determine the interfacial toughness (G_ic). The critical energy release rate (G_ic) was a good material property for constant fiber diameter, but G_ic for initiation of debonding typically became smaller as the fiber diameter became larger. It was also possible to measure an effective shear-lag parameter, β, characterizing the load transfer efficiency between the fiber and the matrix. β decreased considerably with the fiber radius; this decrease scaled roughly as expected from elasticity theory. The measured results for β were used to calculate the radius of matrix material surrounding the fiber that was significantly affected by the presence of the fiber. The ratio of this radius to the fiber radius (R_m/r _f) was a function of the fiber diameter.     

Interfacial interaction in sisal/epoxy composites and its influence on impact performance

To obtain comprehensive knowledge of the interfacial effect on the impact performance of sisal fiber reinforced epoxy composites, the fiber surface was modified in different ways prior to compounding. By using a surface tensiometer and dynamic mechanical analyzer, interfacial interactions in the composites were characterized. The results indicated that the chemical treatments brought about strong bonding between sisal bundles and the epoxy matrix. The subsequent impact tests revealed that the microfailure mechanism involved is a function of interfacial adhesion and fiber length continuity (i.e., continuous or discontinuous fiber). In the case of unidirectional laminates, an optimum fiber treatment should be able to result in an increased affinity between fiber bundles and matrix and a decreased intercellular adhesion. In this way, extension and uncoiling of the spirally arranged microfibrils, a main energy consumption process of plant fibers, can impart significant toughness to the composites. For short fiber composites, the interfacial strength should be properly tailored so as to increase energy dissipation through debonding and pullout of fiber bundles.     

Surface modification of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers by γ-radiation-induced grafting

A technique for grafting acrylic polymers on the surface of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers utilizing ⁶⁰Co gamma radiation at low dose rates and low total dose has been developed. Unlike some of the more prevalent surface modification schemes, this technique achieves surface grafting with complete retention of the exceptional UHMWPE fiber mechanical properties. In particular, poly(butyl acrylate) and poly(cyclohexyl methacrylate) were successfully grafted onto UHMWPE fibers with no loss in tensile properties. The surface and tensile properties of the fibers were evaluated using Fourier transform infrared/photoacoustic spectroscopy (FTIR/PAS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and tensile tests. The reinforcement efficiency of untreated, polymer-grafted, and plasma-treated UHMWPE fibers in polystyrene and a poly(styrene-co-butyl acrylate-co-cyclohexyl methacrylate) statistical terpolymer was characterized using mechanical tensile tests. The thermoplastic matrix composites were prepared with 4 wt% discontinuous (10 mm), randomly distributed UHMWPE fibers. An approximate 30% increase in composite strength and modulus was observed for poly(cyclohexyl methacrylate)-grafted fibers in the terpolymer and polystyrene matrices. A comparable improvement was realized with the plasma-treated fibers. On the other hand, poly(butyl acrylate) grafts induced void formation, i.e. energy dissipation through plastic deformation and volume expansion at the fiber/matrix interface in terpolymer composites. The latter resulted in a 75% increase in the elongation to failure. The effect of polymer grafts on fiber/matrix adhesion is discussed in terms of the graft and matrix chain interactions and solubility, graft chain mobility, and fracture surface characteristics as determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).     

Interfacial evaluation of epoxy/carbon nanofiber nanocomposite reinforced with glycidyl methacrylate treated UHMWPE fiber

Interface interactions of fiber–matrix play a crucial role in final performance of polymer composites. Herein, in situ polymerization of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) on the ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers surface was proposed for improving the surface activity and adhesion property of UHMWPE fibers towards carbon nanofibers (CNF)‐epoxy nanocomposites. Chemical treatment of UHMWPE fibers was characterized by FTIR, XPS analysis, SEM, and microdroplet tests, confirming that the grafting of poly (GMA) chains on the surface alongside a significant synergy in the interfacial properties. SEM evaluations also exhibited cohesive type of failure for the samples when both GMA‐treated UHMWPE fiber and CNF were used to reinforce epoxy matrix. Compared with unmodified composite, a ～319% increase in interfacial shear strength was observed for the samples reinforced with both 5 wt % GMA‐grafted UHMWPE and 0.5 wt % of CNF. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43751.     

低温等离子体处理UHMWPE纤维表面性能的多指标优化

利用正交表安排试验,对超高相对分子质量聚乙烯(UHMWPE)纤维进行空气低温等离子体处理,测试各处理条件下UHMWPE纤维的力学和表面摩擦性能;采用矩阵分析法对多指标正交试验结果进行优化分析,找出最优方案并进行黏着性试验验证。结果表明:经空气低温等离子体处理后,UHMWPE纤维的断裂强度有所减小,表面静、动摩擦因数有较大幅度的提高;处理纤维的最优方案为功率50 W、压强15 Pa、时间150 s,此时纤维的断裂强度损失率仅为2.53%,剥离功为未处理时的4.25倍,说明由矩阵分析法得出的最优方案在保证纤维断裂强度损失很小的情况下,黏着性得到了很大程度的改善。     

Effect-of Processing Varcables on Interfacial Properties of an SiG-Fiber-Reinforced Reaction-Bonded Si3N4 Matrix Composite

Fiber/matrix interfacial debonding and frictional sliding stresses were evaluated by single-fiber pushout tests on unidirectional continuous silicon-carbide-fiber-reinforced, reaction-bonded silicon nitride matrix composites. The debonding and maximum pushout loads required to overcome interfacial friction were obtained from load–displacement plots of pushout tests. Interfacial debonding and frictional sliding stresses were evaluated for composites with various fiber contents and fiber surface conditions (coated and uncoated), and after matrix densification by hot isostatic pressing (HIPing). For as-fabricated composites, both debonding and frictional sliding stresses decreased with increasing fiber content. The HIPed composites, however, exhibited higher interfacial debonding and frictional sliding stresses than those of the as-fabricated composites. These results were related to variations in axial and transverse residual stresses on fibers in the composites. A shear-lag model developed for a partially debonded composite, including full residual stress field, was employed to analyze the nonlinear dependence of maximum pushout load on embedded fiber length for as-fabricated and HIPed composites. Interfacial friction coefficients of 0.1–0.16 fitted the experimental data well. The extremely high debonding stress observed in uncoated fibers is believed to be due to strong chemical bonding between fiber and matrix.     

Effect of coupling agents on the thermal and mechanical properties of polypropylene–jute fabric composites

Composites with different jute fabric contents and polypropylene (PP) were prepared by compression molding. The composite tensile modulus increased as the fiber content increased, although the strain at break decreased due to the restriction imposed on the deformation of the matrix by the rigid fibers. Moreover, and despite the chemical incompatibility between the polar fiber and the PP matrix, the tensile strength increased with jute content because of the use of long woven fibers. The interfacial adhesion between jute and PP was improved by the addition of different commercial maleated polypropylenes to the neat PP matrix. The effect of these coupling agents on the interface properties was inferred from the resulting composite mechanical properties. Out‐of‐plane instrumented falling weight impact tests showed that compatibilized composites had lower propagation energy than uncompatibilized ones, which was a clear indication that the adhesion between matrix and fibers was better in the former case since fewer mechanisms of energy propagation were activated. These results are in agreement with those found in tensile tests, inasmuch as the compatibilized composites exhibit the highest tensile strength. Scanning electron microscopy also revealed that the compatibilized composites exhibited less fiber pullout and smoother fiber surface than uncompatibilized ones. The thermal behavior of PP–compatibilizer blends was also analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry, to confirm that the improvements in the mechanical properties were the result of the improved adhesion between both faces and not due to changes in the crystallinity of the matrix. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Evaluation of Porous ZrO2-SiO2 and Monazite Coatings Using NextelTM 720-Fiber-Reinforced Blackglas™ Minicomposites

A procedure was developed to fabricate oxide-fiber-reinforced minicomposites with a dense matrix and evaluate two oxidation-resistant interface coatings, porous oxide (zirconia-silica mixture) and monazite. The coatings were evaluated using Nextel^TM 720-fiber-reinforced Blackglas^TM-matrix minicomposites. Boron nitride (BN) coated and uncoated fibers were used as controls for comparison. The evaluation was based on ultimate failure strengths, fractography, and fiber pushin tests. All the composites that used fiber coatings had ultimate strengths significantly better than the control that used uncoated fibers. In addition, porous-oxide-coated fibers were found to be similar to BN-coated fibers in strength, fractography, and fiber pushin behavior. Monazite-coated fibers resulted in similar ultimate strengths but showed no appreciable fiber pullout. Fiber pushin tests showed that monazite debonds readily but frictional resistance is higher than for BN or porous oxide fiber coatings.     

Use of a Crack-Bridging Single-Fiber Pullout Test to Study Steel Fiber/Cementitious Matrix Composites

The fracture process of steel fiber/cementitious matrix composites has been studied using a single-fiber pullout test that permits detailed measurements of the load-crack opening displacement relationship during fiber debonding and unloading. Using a suitable analytical model, the interfacial fracture energy and interfacial sliding friction have been calculated for composites incorporating steel fibers with cement paste or mortar matrices. Comparison of theoretical debonding curves with the experimental data show that the model accurately represents the fiber debonding process, except for a decrease in interfacial sliding friction due to wear of matrix asperities at the interface. Differences between the calculated interfacial properties of several specimens are associated with changes in the interfacial microstructure.     

Pullout behavior of polypropylene fibers from cementitious matrix

A comprehensive experimental investigation was performed to understand the pullout behavior of polypropylene fibers from a cementitious matrix. The effect of embedded length on the pullout characteristics, the development of the interfacial bond with age of curing of matrix and the effect of exposure to degrading environments, like seawater and salt water, on the interfacial bond between the fibers and cementitious matrix were studied. The aim of these experiments was to understand the properties of fiber/matrix interface, which are of primary significance in predicting the overall behavior of fiber-reinforced cement-based composites. Polypropylene fibers have a weak bond with cementitious matrix because of smooth surface of fibers, which does not allow for sufficient friction to develop between the two. In this study a new method to improve the frictional bond by means of mechanical indentations of fibers was also proposed. The bonding performance was characterized by means of pullout tests of the plain and modified fibers from a cementitious matrix. An optimum level of fiber modification for maximization of bond efficiency was determined experimentally.     

Evolution of Impedance Spectra during Debonding and Pullout of Single Steel Fibers from Cement

Impedance measurements were made during the debonding and pullout of a fully embedded, crack-bridging single steel fiber from a cement matrix. Nyquist plots gave evidence of two bulk arcs, and the "cusp" between them proved to be sensitive to both debonding and pullout of the embedded fiber. Physical simulations that used a steel wire in tap water were applied to interpret the debonding and pull-out results. The cusp resistance from impedance spectroscopy provided quantitative information about the extent of pullout and, at least qualitatively, correlated with the debond length before pullout. Impedance measurements on both sides of the matrix crack showed that crack deflection and debonding occurred on both sides symmetrically.