Effect of fiber modification with a novel compatibilizer on the mechanical properties and water absorption of hemp‐fiber‐reinforced unsaturated polyester composites |
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| Authors: | Renhui Qiu Xiaofeng Ren Kaichang Li |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Materials Science, College of Material Engineering, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, People's Republic of China;2. Department of Wood Science and Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331;3. Email:kaichang.li@oregonstate. edu |
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| Abstract: | Hemp‐fiber‐reinforced unsaturated polyester (UPE) composites were prepared by compression molding. The treatment of hemp fibers with N‐methylol acrylamide (NMA) and sulfuric acid as a catalyst significantly increased tensile strength, flexural modulus of rupture and flexural modulus of elasticity, and water resistance of the resulting hemp–UPE composites. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra revealed that some NMA was covalently bonded to hemp fibers. Scanning electronic microscopy graphs of the fractured hemp–UPE composites revealed that treatment of hemp fibers with NMA greatly improved the interfacial adhesion between hemp fibers and UPE. The chemical reactions between hemp fibers and NMA as well as the mechanism of improving the interfacial adhesion were proposed and discussed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers |
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