Effect of Recycling on the Mechanical Properties of Wood Fiber-Polystyrene Composites. II. Sawdust as a Reinforcing Filler

The recycling behavior of sawdust, both hardwood and softwood, filled polystyrene composites was observed by measuring the mechanical properties and dimensional stability under normal conditions (room temperature) as well as extreme ones (e.g., exposure to water at room temperature and boiling temperature, and to heat at +105°C and ?20°C). Mechanical properties and dimensional stability of the original and recycled composites—that is, nontreated and treated ones (e.g., 3% isocyanate, coated fiber-filled and grafted fiber-filled)—are compared under all extreme conditions. the behavior of the recycled composites did not change significantly. Furthermore, treated wood fiber-filled thermoplastic composites offered superior mechanical properties and dimensional stability under all extreme conditions, even after recycling.     

Effect of Extreme Conditions On the Mechanical Properties of Wood Fiber-Polystyrene Composites. Ii. Sawdust as a Reinforcing Filler

The mechanical properties and dimensional stability of composites of polystyrene filled with sawdust of hardwood aspen and softwood spruce have been investigated under various extreme conditions, for example, exposure to water at room temperature for 14 days and at boiling temperature for 24 h, as well as heat exposure at ± 105°C for 5 days and at -20°C for 2 h. Mechanical properties improve due to the treatment of the composites with a coupling agent [e.g., 3% poly [methylene(polyphenyl isocyanate)] (PMPPIC)], or by using coated (10% polymer ± 8% PMPPIC) or grafted (styrene) fibers. the treated composites or treated fiber-filled composites also showed more dimensional stability compared to nontreated composites. In addition, mechanical properties improve due to the treatment of the composites under different extreme conditions compared to normal ones. From the experimental results, it is suggested that different compounding methods of preparation of composites play an important role in improving the mechanical properties of the wood fiber-filled thermoplastic composites, even under extreme conditions.     

Performance of treated hybrid fiber reinforced-thermoplastic composites under extreme conditions. IV. Use of glass fiber and sawdust as hybrid fiber

The mechanical properties and dimensional stability of hardwood aspen in the form of sawdust and surface-treated glass fiber-polystyrene composites were evaluated under various extreme conditions, e.g., variation in the testing temperature (from +25° to ?20°C), exposure to boiling water and heat in an oven at +105°C. The compatibility of wood fiber with glass fiber and with polystyrene improved by precoating the wood fiber with a coupling agent, e.g., 8% isocyanate, 4% silane and polymer. The mechanical properties of the composites, in particular, treated sawdust/glass fiber-filled composites, increased under extreme conditions in comparison with those filled with nontreated sawdust/glass fiber. Under the same conditions, dimensional stability also supports this observation.     

Influence of Polar Monomers on the Performance of Wood Fiber Reinforced Polystyrene Composites. I. Evaluation of Critical Conditions

Abstract

Wood fibers and nonpolar thermoplastics, e.g. polystyrene, are not the ideal partner for the preparation of composites because of a wide difference in their polarity. In the present study, polarity of the polystyrene was modified by the introduction of a—COOH group, through the reaction with maleic anhydride (MA) in the presence of an initiator (benzoyl peroxide: BPO) in a roll mill at the elevated temperatures. Optimum conditions for the preparation of polar polystyrene have been investigated. The temperature of the roll mill, i.e., the reaction temperature, and reaction time varied between 160–175°C and 10–15 min., respectively. The concentrations of the monomer, (MA) as well as the initiator (BPO), also varied: 0–10% and 0–2% (by weight of polymer), respectively. The mechanical properties of chemithermomechanical pulp (CTMP)-filled modified polystyrenes were evaluated. The effect of 3% coupling agent [e.g. poly(methylene (polyphenyl isocyanate))] (PMPPIC) on the mechanical properties of the same composites was also determined.

Generally, mechanical properties of the composite materials were enhanced when modified polymers were used as base polymers. Moreover, the extent of the improvement in mechanical properties depends on the reaction temperature and time, as well as on the concentrations of the monomer (maleic anhydride) and initiator. Maximum improvements in mechanical properties occur when the temperature was maintained at 175°C for 15 min. In addition, preferred concentrations of both the monomer and initiator were found to be 5% and 1% (by polymer weight), respectively. Once again, properties were further accelarated when coupling agent (e.g. PMPPIC) was used in addition to the modified polystyrene. The improvements in mechanical properties (over those of the original polymer and those of composites containing unmodified polymers) indicate that the compatibility between hydrophilic cellulosic fiber and hydrophobic polymer has increased.     

The Mechanical Properties of Wood Fiber-reinforced Polymethylmethacrylate

Abstract

The mechanical properties, e.g. tensile modulus (at 0.1% strain), tensile strength at maximum point and corresponding elongation and breaking energy, as well as impact strength, of compression molded PMMA and PMMA filled with wood fibers (10%-40% by weight of composite) have been investigated. Optimization of molding conditions, (e.g. temperature, time, pressure and mixing aids) was carried out. In optimum conditions of mixing and molding, the effect of different parameters, (e.g. nature and concentration of coupling agents (isocyanates), coating treatment, nature of wood species in the form of various pulps) on the mechanical properties of the resulting composites were evaluated. PMPPIC having 2%-4% (by weight of polymer) was found to behave as a true coupling agent because modulus as well as the tensile and impact strengths were improved. Moreover, PMPPIC acted as a coupling agent even when it was used for treatment of PMMA and fiber or to precoat the fiber. A distinct effect of the morphology of wood species and fiber-making techniques on the mechanical properties of wood fiber-filled composites was also observed.     

Composite Molded Products Based on Recycled Thermoplastics and Waste Cellulosics. I. Peat Moss-Recycled Pe Composites

Effects of three different modified (i.e., chlorinated, chlorosulfonated, and maleated) polyethylenes (PEs) on the mechanical properties and dimensional stability of recycled PE composites filled with biomass (peat moss) have been investigated at room temperature and after exposure to boiling water for 24 h. From the experimental results, it is suggested that differently modified PEs play an important role in improving the physicomechanical properties of the peat moss-filled recycled PE composites, even after exposure to boiling water. However, maleated PE is by far the best coupling agent as far as mechanical properties and dimensional stability of the peat moss-filled recycled PE is concerned. The effects of concentrations of peat moss and coupling agent (i.e., chlorinated PE) on the properties of the composites have been statistically analyzed based on an experimental design and on an empirical quadratic model.     

Surface modification of wood fibers using maleic anhydride and isocyanate as coating components and their performance in polystyrene composites

The effect of surface modification of various wood fibers [e.g. woodflour and chemithermomechanical pulp (CTMP) of hardwood aspen, and woodflour of softwood spruce] by precoating with only maleic anhydride (MA) and/or poly[methylene (polyphenyl isocyanate)] (PMPPIC) in the presence of benzoyl peroxide (BPO) on the mechanical performance of modified fiber-filled polystyrene (PS 201 and PS 525) composites has been studied. The effects of the concentration of fiber, MA, PMPPIC, and BPO on the mechanical properties of the composites have also been evaluated. As opposed to unmodified fiber-filled composites, most of the mechanical properties of the modified fiber-filled composites increased with an increase in the concentration of BPO, MA, and/or PMPPIC up to a certain limit, and then either decreased or levelled off. The properties improved even more when both MA and PMPPIC were used as compared with the use of only one of them. The optimum concentrations of BPO, MA, PMPPIC, and fiber vary according to the wood species, the nature of the fiber, and the type of polystyrene. Compared with woodflour, CTMP is believed to be by far the best as far as the mechanical properties of the modified fiber-filled composites are concerned.     

Recycled milk pouch and virgin low‐density polyethylene/linear low‐density polyethylene based coir fiber composites

The viability of the thermomechanical recycling of postconsumer milk pouches [a 50 : 50 low‐density polyethylene/linear low‐density polyethylene (LDPE–LLDPE) blend] and their use as polymeric matrices for coir‐fiber‐reinforced composites were investigated. The mechanical, thermal, morphological, and water absorption properties of recycled milk pouch polymer/coir fiber composites with different treated and untreated fiber contents were evaluated and compared with those of virgin LDPE–LLDPE/coir fiber composites. The water absorption of the composites measured at three different temperatures (25, 45, and 75°C) was found to follow Fickian diffusion. The mechanical properties of the composites significantly deteriorated after water absorption. The recycled polymer/coir fiber composites showed inferior mechanical performances and thermooxidative stability (oxidation induction time and oxidation temperature) in comparison with those observed for virgin polymer/fiber composites. However, a small quantity of a coupling agent (2 wt %) significantly improved all the mechanical, thermal, and moisture‐resistance properties of both types of composites. The overall mechanical performances of the composites containing recycled and virgin polymer matrices were correlated by the phase morphology, as observed with scanning electron microscopy. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007     

Studies on the preparation and properties of particle boards made from bagasse and PVC. I: Effects of operating conditions

Under study were the mechanical properties of particle boards comprised of ground sugarcane bagasse, PVC, and poly{methylene (polyphenyl isocyanate)} [PMPPIC]. The effects of different parameters, e.g. mixing temperature, molding conditions - platen temperature, time and pressure, particle size of bagasse, concentration of PVC and PMPPIC, as well as dilution of PMPPIC, on the mechanical properties of the resulting particle boards were also investigated. In general, the properties of particle boards change with the variation of mixing and molding conditions. A mixing temperature of 175°C and molding conditions [platen temperature, 190°C; time, 10 min; and pressure, 3.8 MPa] were believed to be optimal conditions of compounding particle boards. Both the mechanical properties and the density of particle boards of bagasse with a mesh size of 60, improved up to 20 weight % of PVC and 10 weight % of PMPPIC.     

Composites of Polyvinyl Chloride-Wood Fibers. I. Effect of Isocyanate as a Bonding Agent

Various parameters concerning the performance of isocyanate as a coupling agent have been discovered. Greater premixing time (e.g., 20 min) leads to an improvement in the mechanical properties of the composites. the isocyanate solution is more efficient in comparison with undiluted isocyanate. Moreover, the chemical structure of isocyanate, which provides a better interaction with thermoplastics, results in superior properties. the reactivity of different isocyanates decreases in the following order: PMPPIC, TDIC, HMDIC, EIC. Again, isocyanate can act as a promoter or as an inhibitor, depending on the concentration of isocyanate used. For example, with a moderate concentration, it promotes maximum mechanical properties, while with a higher concentration, mechanical properties deteriorate. In addition, the nature of the pulp (e.g., CTMP, cotton, or sawdust) and fiber loading percentage as well as different grades of polymer supplied by different companies also play an important role in the mechanical properties of thermoplastic composities.     

Recycled milk pouch and virgin LDPE‐LLDPE‐based jute fiber composites

The present investigation deals with the thermo‐mechanical recycling of post consumer milk pouches (LDPE‐LLDPE blend) and its use as jute fiber composite materials for engineering applications. The mechanical, thermal, morphological, and dynamic‐mechanical properties of recycled milk pouch‐based jute fiber composites with different fiber contents were evaluated and compared with those of the virgin LDPE‐LLDPE/jute fiber composites. Effect of artificial weathering on mechanical properties of different formulated composites was determined. The recycled polymer‐based jute fiber composites showed inferior mechanical properties as well as poor thermal stability compared to those observed for virgin polymer/jute fiber composites. However, the jute‐composites made with (50:50) recycled milk pouch‐virgin LDPE‐LLDPE blend as polymer matrix indicated significantly superior properties in comparison to the recycled milk pouch/jute composites. Overall mechanical performances of the recycled and virgin polymeric composites were correlated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The dynamic mechanical analysis showed that storage modulus values were lower for recycled LDPE‐LLDPE/jute composites compared to virgin LDPE‐LLDPE/jute composites throughout the entire temperature range, but an increase in the storage modulus was observed for recycled‐virgin LDPE‐LLDPE/jute composites. POLYM. COMPOS. 28:78–88, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Low‐velocity impact response and compression after impact assessment of recycled carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer composites for future applications

The influence of recycling on the impact damage resistance of recycled carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites was investigated using low‐velocity impact and compression after impact (CAI) tests. The relationships among load, force, and time were analyzed to gain insight into the damage characteristics of three types of composite laminate: virgin CF‐reinforced polymer (V‐CFRP), recycled CF‐reinforced polymer (R‐CFRP), and treated recycled CF‐reinforced polymer (TR‐CFRP). Special emphasis was placed on evaluating the extent of damage and the residual mechanical properties as affected by three different fiber surface states. Substantial differences were noted in the shape, area, and damage mode of impact using ultrasonic c‐scanning, photography, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). V‐CFRP indicated significant improvement in impact damage resistance in the form of less damage, higher residual strength, and greater shear failure angle. Damage resistance was improved up to 80% of V‐CFRP by surface cleaning while R‐CFRP is 50% of V‐CFRP. Shear failure angle of 16° was attained from R‐CFRP and it was increased to 24° when the recycled fibers were cleaned. The result of SEM showed that there was less delamination of TR‐CFRP compared with R‐CFRP. This work proves that the low‐velocity impact response of recycled composites can rival that of virgin composites, while providing a basis for future applications of recycled carbon in many fields. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:1494–1506, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Effect of layering pattern on the physical,mechanical, and thermal properties of jute/bagasse hybrid fiber‐reinforced epoxy novolac composites

In this study, randomly oriented short jute/bagasse hybrid fiber‐reinforced epoxy novolac composites were prepared by keeping the relative volume ratio of jute and bagasse of 1:3 and the total fiber loading 0.40 volume fractions. The effect of jute fiber hybridization and different layering pattern on the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of jute/bagasse hybrid fiber‐reinforced epoxy novolac composites was investigated. The hybrid fiber‐reinforced composites exhibited fair water absorption and thickness swelling properties. To investigate the effect of layering pattern on thermomechanical behavior of hybrid composites, the storage modulus and loss factor were determined using dynamic mechanical analyzer from 30 to 200°C at a frequency of 1 Hz. The fracture surface morphology of the tensile samples of the hybrid composites was performed by using scanning electron microscopy. The morphological features of the composites were well corroborated with the mechanical properties. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated an increase in thermal stability of pure bagasse composites with the incorporation of jute fibers. The incorporation of hybrid fibers results better improvement in both thermal and dimensional stable compared with the pure bagasse fiber composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Improving delamination resistance of carbon fiber reinforced polymeric composite by interface engineering using carbonaceous nanofillers through electrophoretic deposition: An assessment at different in-service temperatures

In this article, modification of carbon fiber surface by carbon based nanofillers (multi-walled carbon nanotubes [CNT], carbon nanofibers, and multi-layered graphene) has been achieved by electrophoretic deposition technique to improve its interfacial bonding with epoxy matrix, with a target to improve the mechanical performance of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites. Flexural and short beam shear properties of the composites were studied at extreme temperature conditions; in-situ cryo, room and elevated temperature (−196, 30, and 120°C respectively). Laminate reinforced with CNT grafted carbon fibers exhibited highest delamination resistance with maximum improvement in flexural strength as well as in inter-laminar shear strength (ILSS) among all the carbon fiber reinforced epoxy (CE) composites at all in-situ temperatures. CNT modified CE composite showed increment of 9% in flexural strength and 17.43% in ILSS when compared to that of unmodified CE composite at room temperature (30°C). Thermomechanical properties were investigated using dynamic mechanical analysis. Fractography was also carried out to study different modes of failure of the composites.     

Thermoplastic composties of polystyrene: Effect of different wood species on mechanical properties

Both softwood (spruce) and hardwood (aspen and birch) species in the form of different pulps (e.g., sawdust, chemithermomechanical pulp, explosion pulp and OPCO pulp) have been used (10–40 wt% composite) as reinforcing fillers for thermoplastic composites of polystyrene. Mechanical properties, are examined, e.g., tensile modulus, tensile strength at maximum point, and the corresponding elongation and energy as well as impact strength of compression molded composites. To improve the compatability of wood fibers which are hydrophilic and the polymer matrix which is hydrophobic, poly[methylene(polyphenyl isoeyanate)] (2 and 8 wt % of polymer) was used as a coupling agent. The mechanical properties of the treated composites are improved up to 30% in fiber content whereas a downward trend for untreated composites was observed when an increase in fiber content occurred. The overall improvements in mechanical properties due to the addition of isocyanate can be explained by the linkage of isocyanate molecules with fiber matrix through the chain of covalent bonds and the interaction of π-electrons of benzene rings of polystyrene as well as isocyanate. As a result, poly[methylene(polyphenyl isocyanate)] forms a bridge between fiber and polymer on the interfaces. This result is instrumental for efficient stress transfer between cellulose fibers and thermoplastics. The performance of different pulps of various wood species as reinforcing fillers for thermoplastic composites is also examined.     

Utilization of Recycled Polypropylene for Production of Eco-Composites

Renewable raw materials and recyclable thermoplastic polymers provide attractive eco-friendly quality as well as environmental sustainability to the resulting natural fiber reinforced composites. We studied the possibility of using the recycled polypropylene (PP) for production of composites based on kenaf fibers (KF) and rice hulls (RH) as reinforcements. Polypropylene/rice-hulls (PP/RH/CA) and polypropylene/kenaf (PP/K/CA) composites with 30% fiber (filler) content and appropriate compatibilizing agent (CA)—a maleic anhydride grafted PP (MAPP), have been prepared by two steps procedure: melt mixing and compression molding. Flexural strength and thermal stability of the composites with recycled PP were similar to those with neat PP. The composites reinforced with kenaf fibers have shown better properties than those based on rice hulls. The flexural strength of the composite sample with recycled PP is 51.3 MPa in comparison with 51.1 MPa for the composite with neat PP. Degradation temperatures of neat and composite with recycled PP at residual weight 90% are 344.4°C and 343.5°C, respectively. The results obtained report the possibility of utilization of recycled PP for the production of natural reinforcements based composites with good mechanical characteristics for using as construction building materials in housing systems.     

Jute fabric reinforced engineering thermoplastic sandwich composites. I. The effect of molding time

Jute fabric‐reinforced sandwich composites were fabricated using engineering thermoplastics. The jute fabrics were precoated with thermosetting resin to improve their thermal resistance before molding of the composites. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) studies revealed that the resin coated fabrics decomposed at higher temperature than the uncoated jute. The onset of degradation of the coated fibers also falls between that of jute fibers and the thermoset resins. This indicates the presence of good interfacial bonding between jute fibers and both resins. Isothermal TGA studies revealed that jute could withstand brief exposure to higher temperature at 270 and 290°C. The sandwich composites were fabricated at 270°C by compression molding for 1.5 and 3 min in each case, and then characterized by flexural, tensile and morphological studies, i.e., SEM and optical microscopy. The uncoated jute fabric yielded composites of superior mechanical properties even with 3 mins molding at 270°C which is close to the degradation temperature of uncoated jute fibers. This is an indication that it is feasible to prepare jute fiber filled engineering polymer composites provided the exposure time at high temperature during processing does not exceed 3 mins as determined by TGA isothermal studies. SEM studies revealed strong fiber/matrix interfacial bonding between jute and the thermoset resins while the inferior mechanical properties of the resin coated sandwich composites could be attributed to the poor interfacial bonding between the already cured thermoset coating and the matrix based on optical microscopy of the polished cross‐sections. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Investigation of mechanical properties of unidirectional steel fiber/polyester composites: Experiments and micromechanical predictions

The article introduces steel fiber reinforced polymer composites, which is considered new for composite product developments. These composites consist of steel fibers or filaments of 0.21 mm diameter embedded in a polyester resin. The goal of this investigation is to characterize the mechanical performance of steel fiber reinforced polyester composites at room temperature. The mechanical properties of unidirectional steel fiber reinforced polyester composites (SFRP) are evaluated experimentally and compared with the predicted values by micro‐mechanical models. These predictions help to understand the role of material and process parameters on material properties. Two types of SFRP were studied: polyester resin reinforced by both steel fabric containing unidirectional fibers and steel fibers wound on a metal frame with 0° orientations. The effects of the fiber volume fraction and the role of polymer yarns (weft) on mechanical properties were analyzed through tensile, compressive, and shear tests. These tests were performed as per the standard test procedures. In particular, issues related to processing difficulties, polymer yarns effect on properties, standardized testing, and properties under various loading conditions were addressed. Microscopic observations were analyzed to assess the laminate quality and the macroscopic fracture surfaces of shear test specimens were studied by standard techniques. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:627–644, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Effect of fiber orientation on viscoelastic properties of polymer matrix composites subjected to thermal cycles

Fibers in polymer composites can be designed in various orientations for their usage in service life. Various fiber orientated polymer composites, which are used in aeroplane and aerospace applications, are frequently subjected to thermal cycles because of the changes in body temperatures at a range of −60 to 150°C during flights. It is an important subject to investigate the visco‐elastic properties of the thermal cycled polymer composite materials which have various fiber orientations during service life. Continuous fiber reinforced composites with a various fiber orientations are subjected to 1,000 thermal cycles between the temperatures of 0 and 100°C. Dynamic mechanic thermal analysis (DMTA) experiments are carried out by TA Q800 type equipment. The changes in glass transition temperature (T_g), storage modulus (E′), loss modulus (E′′) and loss factor (tan δ) are inspected as a function of thermal cycles for different fiber orientations. It was observed that thermal and dynamic mechanical properties of the polymer composites were remarkably changed by thermal cycles. It was also determined that the composites with [45°/−45°]_s fiber orientation presented the lowest dynamic mechanical properties. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Characterization of composites based on recycled expanded polystyrene reinforced with curaua fibers

This study evaluated the mechanical, thermal, rheological, and morphological properties of virgin and recycled matrices and their composites with 20 wt % of curaua fiber. The recycling process of postconsumer polystyrene was carried out by grinding and extrusion. It was found that the recycling of expanded polystyrene did not have a major influence on the mechanical properties; however, the thermal stability was increased. The addition of curaua fibers led to increases in the tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, rigidity, thermal stability and melt viscosity of the composites. The composites made with the recycled matrix revealed higher thermal stability and melt viscosity than those made with the virgin matrix. Scanning electron microscopy characterization showed empty spaces where the curaua fibers had pulled out of the matrices in the fractured regions, indicating poor interfacial adhesion without the use of a coupling agent. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013