Development of PLA/cellulosic fiber composite foams using injection molding: Crystallization and foaming behaviors

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and northern bleached softwood kraft (NBSK) or black spruce medium density fiberboard (MDF) fibers were melt compounded using a co-rotating twin screw extruder and subsequently microcellular injection molded. Poly(ethlylene glycol) (PEG) was used as a lubricant. The microcellular structure, thermal properties, and crystallization behaviors were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and wide angle X-ray diffraction. Results show that cellulosic fibers, acting as crystal nucleating agents, increased the crystallization temperature and the crystallinity and decreased the crystallization half time. The dissolved N₂, the shear stress, and biaxial stretching during foaming also enhanced the crystallinity of PLA. Compared to PLA/PEG, a finer and more uniform cell structure was achieved in the cellulosic fiber composite foams. The improved foam morphology was attributed to the cell nucleating effects of the fibers and the increased melt strength by the addition of cellulosic fibers and by the gas- and fiber- induced crystallization.     

工艺参数对聚甲醛微注塑制品力学性能的影响机理EI北大核心CSCD

基于单因素实验,研究工艺参数对不同厚度聚甲醛(POM)微注塑制品屈服应力、弹性模量、断裂强度和断裂伸长率等力学性能指标的影响,并基于制品形态结构分析工艺参数对制品力学性能的影响机理。实验结果表明,随着注射速度的增大,1.0mm厚微制品的皮层厚度减小,过渡层厚度增加,结晶度增大,综合效应使得屈服应力、断裂强度和弹性模量增大,断裂伸长率减小;0.2mm厚微制品的皮层厚度占主导地位,其力学性能是由皮层的力学性能决定,皮层厚度先增大后减小使得屈服应力、断裂强度和弹性模量先增大后减小,断裂伸长率先减小后增大。随着熔体温度的升高,1.0mm厚微制品的分子链取向度减小,皮层厚度减小,收缩量增大,使得屈服应力、断裂强度和弹性模量减小,断裂伸长率增大;而0.2mm厚微制品的皮层减小,但过渡层增加,结晶度增大,且补料更充分,综合作用使得屈服应力、断裂强度和弹性模量增大,断裂伸长率减小。随着模具温度的升高,1.0mm厚微制品的皮层比例减小,结晶度增大,结晶度影响占主导,使得屈服应力、断裂强度和弹性模量逐渐增大,断裂伸长率减小;而0.2mm厚微制品的皮层厚度占主导,皮层厚度明显减小使得屈服应力、断裂强度和弹性模量减小,断裂伸长率增大。     

Investigations on stamping of C/PEEK laminates: Influence on meso-structure and macroscopic mechanical properties under severe environmental conditions

This study was aimed at addressing the influence of stamping on the mechanical performance (tensile, in-plane shear and inter-laminar shear) of fabric reinforced thermoplastic laminates under severe conditions. The effects of processing have been discussed at different levels: influence on the micro-structure (porosity and mean free path) and meso-structure (reinforcement and matrix distribution), changes in the matrix properties as well as in the fiber/matrix interface. The obtained results and the SEM observations suggest that these changes are closely associated with the macroscopic mechanical behavior of laminates. Stamping proved to be a re-consolidation process, and the high stamping pressure promotes two primary mechanisms: re-compaction of the fiber network and migration of melted matrix. These mechanisms significantly influence the meso-structure properties (better interlaminar adhesion and fiber/matrix bonding), resulting in the improvement of the material properties.     

Improving the interlaminar properties of polymer composites using a situ accumulation method to construct the multi-scale reinforcement of carbon nanofibers/carbon fibers

A novel method was developed to realize the situ accumulation of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) in the carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites (CFRPs) to construct the multi-scale reinforcement for improving the interlaminar properties. In this method, the prepreg was sealed by the nanomicroporous nylon membrane, and the excess resin was extracted from the prepreg by the vacuum-assisted method. It was found that the use of nylon membrane resulted in effective CNFs accumulation, especially in the interlayer by scanning electron microscopy. Short-beam strength tests and the end-notched flexure tests were conducted respectively to evaluate the interlaminar properties of CFRPs under shear loading. The results indicated that the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and the Mode II interlaminar fracture toughness (G_IIC) of CFRPs made by the filtering membrane-assisted method remarkably increased compared with those prepared without using filtering membrane.     

变模温与型腔气体反压辅助微孔发泡注塑技术及其产品内外泡孔结构演变

建立了一种变模温和型腔气体反压协同控制的微孔发泡注塑技术,研制了相应的变模温控制系统与型腔气体反压控制系统,构建了变模温与型腔气体反压辅助微孔发泡注塑试验线,并对变模温与型腔气体反压作用下的产品内外泡孔结构演变进行了研究。结果表明,变模温与型腔气体反压辅助工艺单独施加于微孔发泡注塑技术时,对其产品内外泡孔结构均具有双重影响:变模温可以改善产品大部分的表面形貌,但其对填充过程中的熔体发泡影响不大;型腔气体反压可以基本抑制填充过程中的熔体发泡,但却对产品内部泡孔密度有比较明显的降低影响。通过变模温与型腔气体反压的协同控制,可以实现微孔发泡注塑产品表面气泡形貌和内部泡孔结构的良好调控。     

Experimental investigation of stamp forming of unconsolidated commingled E-glass/polypropylene fabrics

Stamp forming of two unconsolidated commingled E-glass fiber/polypropylene fabric composites with nominal weights of 743 and 1485 g/m² has been studied for simple mold geometry. For this manufacturing process, unconsolidated commingled fabrics are transferred directly from an oven to a press where they are stamped using a matched-dies metal mold to achieve simultaneous consolidation and conformation to the mold shape. In this study, the influence of the stamping parameters such as the stamping pressure, stamping temperature, mold temperature, loading rate and holding time are determined on the flexural properties, void content and void distribution. Results obtained for the stamp forming process of the unconsolidated fabrics were compared with results obtained by compression molding of the unconsolidated fabrics and by stamping pre-consolidated fabrics. For the fabric with the higher nominal weight, the flexural properties were found to be lower than the optimal properties, while for the fabric with the lower nominal weight the flexural properties were equivalent to the optimal properties determined by compression molding. Good correspondence was found between the variation of the flexural properties and the variation of the void content. This allows the mechanical properties to be approximated by only measuring the void content. Finally, the minimum temperature at which the stamping pressure has to be applied in order to successfully process the unconsolidated fabrics is determined.     

Effects of vacuum,mold temperature and cooling rate on mechanical properties of press consolidated glass fiber/PET composite

Glass fiber reinforced polyethylene–terephthalate (PET) matrix composites manufactured by a rapid press consolidation technique were investigated as functions of vacuum, mold temperature, and cooling rate among the many possible processing parameters. Tensile, impact, fracture toughness and short beam shear tests were carried out and these mechanical properties were compared with respect to crystallinity. It was found that the mechanical properties strongly depend on vacuum, mold temperature, and cooling rate. The degree of crystallinity (X_C) in composites affects tensile properties to some degree, but impact properties were affected much more. It also affects the degree of ductility depending mold temperature in consolidation and cooling rate, which determines the impact energy of this material.     

Hygrothermal influence on the interlaminar shear strength of Kevlar-graphite/epoxy hybrid composites

The hygrothermal influence on the interlaminar shear strength of Kevlar 49-graphite/epoxy hybrid composite was investigated in the temperature range –50 to 150 ° C. Moisture was introduced into the specimen by immersion in distilled water until a specified weight gain occurred. Two material lay-up were used in this investigation. In Kev 49/T-300/Kev 49, Kevlar 49 and graphite prepreg tapes were used as outer and centre layer, respectively and in T-300/Kev 49/T-300, it was vice versa. In both cases the tapes were alternated until the total thickness was achieved. The results show that interlaminar shear strength change with the ply sequence of hybrid laminates. The interlaminar shear strength of T-300/Kev 49/T-300 is relatively higher than that of Kev 49/T-300/Kev 49. The interlaminar shear strength of both T-300/Kev 49/T-300 and Kev 49/T-300/Kev 49 decrease with the increase of temperature in the range –50 to 150 ° C. The addition of moisture further degrade the interlaminar shear strength in the same temperature range. Close physical observation showed clear evidence of interlaminar shear failure for most of the specimens.     

An experimental investigation of class A surface finish of composites made by the resin transfer molding process

Achievement of high class surface finish is important to the high volume automotive industry when using the resin transfer molding (RTM) process for exterior body panels. Chemical cure shrinkage of the polyester resins has a direct impact on the surface finish of RTM molded components. Therefore, resins with low profile additives (LPA) are used to reduce cure shrinkage and improve surface quality of the composite parts. However, little is known about the behaviour of low profile resins during RTM manufacturing and their ultimate effects on the surface quality of molded plaques. In this work, the effects of controlled material and processing parameters on the pressure variations, process cycle times and ultimately on the surface quality of RTM molded components were investigated. Taguchi experimental design techniques were employed to design test matrices and an optimization analysis was performed. Test panels were manufactured using a flat plate steel mold mounted on a press. Pressure sensors were inserted in the mold cavity to monitor pressure variations during different stages of cure and at various locations in the mold cavity. It was found that a critical amount of LPA (10%) was required to push the material against the mold cavity and to compensate for the resin cure shrinkage. A significant increase in pressure was observed during the later stages of resin cure due to the LPA expansion. The pressure increase had a significant effect on the surface roughness of the test samples with higher pressures resulting in better surface finish. A cure gradient was observed for low pressure injections which significantly reduced the maximum pressure levels.     

RTM成型玻璃纤维增强阴离子聚合尼龙6复合材料及其性能

针对己内酰胺阴离子聚合反应特性,通过自行设计的适合该反应体系的树脂注射成型机和搭建的热塑性树脂传递模塑(T-RTM)成型实验平台,在恒压注射条件下,成功地制备了玻璃纤维(GF)体积分数高达48vol％的GF增强阴离子聚合尼龙6(APA-6)复合材料.研究了不同进料方式和压力、模具温度和纤维含量等工艺条件对GF/APA-...     

CF/PA12 composite femoral stems: Manufacturing and properties

The fabrication process for a novel carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (polyamide 12) composite femoral stem using inflatable bladder molding was studied. Effect of processing temperature, holding time and applied internal pressure on the consolidation quality of the composite was investigated. Consolidation quality was evaluated by density and void content measurements and scanning electron microscope analysis. As expected, void content (porosities) and presence of large resin pockets were found to increase for lower processing temperature, holding time and applied pressure. Crystallinity as well as melting temperatures measured using differential scanning calorimetry could be related to molding conditions. A progressive reduction of the previous thermal history (crystalline peak of neat composite) and an increase in crystallinity were obtained for higher molding temperature. Static compression testing with void content analysis of molded specimens was used to determine optimal molding conditions. The composite structure molded showed compressive modulus close to cortical bone’s. Compression load at failure of composites molded in optimal conditions were found to be three times higher than those of femoral bone for jumping on one leg or 10 times those for normal gait. The molded composite structure appears to be an excellent candidate for femoral stems used in total hip arthroplasty.     

Temperature and pressure evolution in fast heat cycle injection molding

An accurate mold temperature control during injection molding processes allows obtaining objects with better surface finishing, more accurate surface replication, and reduced frozen-in orientation. The control of these properties is particularly important when the thickness of the molded part is very small as in the case of microinjection. In this work, thin multilayer heaters are adopted to obtain a very fast mold surface temperature evolution during the process of an isotactic polypropylene (iPP). The effect of mold temperature history on the pressure developed inside the cavity is analyzed and correlated to both gate solidification and mold deformation. Results confirmed that, with a fast control of the cavity surface temperature, a reduction of the injection pressure is achieved, without affecting the cycle time. The understanding of the phenomena that occur during the fast temperature evolution on the cavity surface can allow the microstructural calibration of the molded parts.     

Mechanical and electrical properties of carbon fiber composites with incorporation of graphene nanoplatelets at the fiber–matrix interphase

In this study, carbon fibers (CFs) were coated with graphene nanoplatelets (GnP), using a robust and continuous coating process. CFs were directly immersed in a stable GnP suspension and the coating conditions were optimized in order to obtain a high density of homogeneously and well-dispersed GnP. GnP coated CFs/epoxy composites were manufactured by a prepreg and lay-up method, and the mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of the composites were assessed. The GnP coated CFs/epoxy composites showed 52%, 7%, and 19% of increase in comparison with non-coated CFs/epoxy composites, for 90° flexural strength, 0° flexural strength and interlaminar shear strength, respectively. Meanwhile, incorporating GnP in the CF/epoxy interphase significantly improved the electrical conductivity through the thickness direction by creating a conductive path between the fibers.     

Characterization of transverse tensile, interlaminar shear and interlaminate fracture in CF/EP laminates with 10 wt% and 20 wt% silica nanoparticles in matrix resins

The transverse tensile properties, interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and mode I and mode II interlaminar fracture toughness of carbon fibre/epoxy (CF/EP) laminates with 10 wt% and 20 wt% silica nanoparticles in matrix were investigated, and the influences of silica nanoparticle on those properties of CF/EP laminates were characterized. The transverse tensile properties and mode I interlaminar fracture toughness (G_IC) increased with an increase in nanosilica concentration in the matrix resins. However, ILSS and the mode II interlaminar fracture toughness (G_IIC) decreased with increasing nanosilica concentration, especially for the higher nanosilica concentration (20 wt%). The reduced G_IIC value is attributed to two main competing mechanisms; one is the formation of zipper-like pattern associated with matrix microcracks aligned 45° ahead of the crack tip, while the other is the shear failure of matrix. The ratio of G_IIC/G_IC decreased with the concentration of silica nanoparticles, comparable with similar CF/EP laminates with dispersed CNTs in matrix. Fractographic studies showed that interfacial failure between carbon fibre and epoxy resin occurred in the neat epoxy laminate, whereas a combination of interfacial failure and matrix failure occurred in the nanosilica-modified epoxy laminates, especially those with a higher nanosilica concentration (20 wt%).     

Low-energy electron beam cured tape placement for out-of-autoclave fabrication of advanced polymer composites

The autoclave curing process for advanced polymer composites is labor and capital intensive, with the curing cost increasing dramatically by the growth in part size. In order to develop an out-of-autoclave (OOA) fabrication process for advanced polymer composites, a new process integrating automated tape placement with low-energy electron beam radiation curing was explored, by which in situ layer-wise curing of advanced composites can be achieved with the tape placement process. The irradiation process was optimized to get a homogenous curing, by tuning the electron beam dose-depth distribution in the prepreg material. Besides, the curing characteristics of the prepreg material by the low-energy electron beam irradiation was investigated and effect of exposure dose and post curing on curing degree, glass transition temperature (Tg) and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) were characterized experimentally.     

Influence of titanium carbide on the interlaminar shear strength of carbon fibre laminate composites

The potential use of carbon fibre laminate composites is limited by the weak out-of-plane properties, especially delamination resistance. The effect of incorporating titanium carbide to the mesophase pitch matrix precursor of carbon fibre laminate composites on interlaminar shear strength is studied both on carbonised and graphitised composites. The presence of titanium carbide modifies the optical texture of the matrix from domains to mosaics in those parts with higher concentrations and it contributes to an increase of fibre/matrix bonding. This fact produces an increase of the interlaminar shear strength of the material and changes the fracture mode.     

The influence of a thermoplastic toughening interlayer and hydrothermal conditioning on the Mode-II interlaminar fracture toughness of Carbon/Benzoxazine composites

Carbon fibre/Benzoxazine laminates with and without non-woven polyamide (PA) fibre veils at the interlaminar regions were manufactured using vacuum assisted resin transfer moulding (VARTM). The effect of the interlaminar thermoplastic veils on the Mode-II critical strain energy release rate (G_IIC), under both wet and dry conditions, was determined using two commercially available Benzoxazine resins: a toughened system and an untoughened system. In all samples the toughened system outperformed the untoughened system. The overall resistance to Mode-II crack growth was significantly improved by the inclusion of the interlaminar veils due to an increase in the thickness of the matrix-rich interlaminar region, plastic deformation of the PA fibres and a crack-pinning mechanism. Moisture caused an increase in matrix ductility, which improved the resistance to crack initiation; however, this was counteracted by a reduction in fibre/matrix interfacial strength causing a reduction in resistance to crack growth.     

PP/GMT制品模内冷却与结晶过程模拟

采用有限元方法,对PP/GMT制品压缩模塑的冷却与结晶过程进行数值模拟,采用非等温结晶模型,计算出不同条件下制品中树脂的结晶度和制品内部温度分布,并与实验结果进行了对比,为压缩模塑中保压冷却时间的确定提供了理论依据。     

An experimental study of the water-assisted injection molding of glass fiber filled poly-butylene-terephthalate (PBT) composites

The purpose of this report was to experimentally study the water-assisted injection molding process of poly-butylene-terephthalate (PBT) composites. Experiments were carried out on an 80-ton injection-molding machine equipped with a lab scale water injection system, which included a water pump, a pressure accumulator, a water injection pin, a water tank equipped with a temperature regulator, and a control circuit. The materials included virgin PBT and a 15% glass fiber filled PBT composite, and a plate cavity with a rib across center was used. Various processing variables were examined in terms of their influence on the length of water penetration in molded parts, and mechanical property tests were performed on these parts. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was also used to identify the material and structural parameters. Finally, a comparison was made between water-assisted and gas-assisted injection molded parts. It was found that the melt fill pressure, melt temperature, and short shot size were the dominant parameters affecting water penetration behavior. Material at the mold-side exhibited a higher degree of crystallinity than that at the water-side. Parts molded by gas also showed a higher degree of crystallinity than those molded by water. Furthermore, the glass fibers near the surface of molded parts were found to be oriented mostly in the flow direction, but oriented substantially more perpendicular to the flow direction with increasing distance from the skin surface.     

Electrospun nanofibre toughened carbon/epoxy composites: Effects of polyetherketone cardo (PEK-C) nanofibre diameter and interlayer thickness

Polyetherketone cardo (PEK-C) nanofibres were produced by an electrospinning technique and directly deposited on carbon fabric to improve the interlaminar fracture toughness of carbon/epoxy composites. The influences of nanofibre diameter and interlayer thickness on the Mode I delamination fracture toughness, flexure property and thermal mechanical properties of the resultant composites were examined. Considerably enhanced interlaminar fracture toughness has been achieved by interleaving PEK-C nanofibres with the weight loading as low as 0.4% (based on weight of the composite). Finer nanofibres result in more stable crack propagation and better mechanical performance under flexure loading. Composites modified by finer nanofibres maintained the glass transition temperature (T_g) of the cured resin. Increasing nanofibre interlayer thickness improved the fracture toughness but compromised the flexure performance. The T_g of the cured resin deteriorated after the thickness increased to a certain extent.