Interfacial contributions in lignocellulosic fiber‐reinforced polyurethane composites

Whereas lignocellulosic fibers have received considerable attention as a reinforcing agent in thermoplastic composites, their applicability to reactive polymer systems remains of considerable interest. The hydroxyl‐rich nature of natural lignocellulosic fibers suggests that they are particularly useful in thermosetting systems such as polyurethanes. To further this concept, urethane composites were prepared using both unused thermomechanical pulp and recycled newsprint fibers. In formulating the materials, the fibers were considered as a pseudo‐reactant, contributing to the network formation. A di‐functional and tri‐functional poly(propylene oxide)‐based polyol were investigated as the synthetic components with a polyol‐miscible isocyanate resin serving as a crosslinking agent. The mechanical properties of the composites were found to depend most strongly on the type of fiber, and specifically the accessibility of hydroxy functionality on the fiber. Dynamic mechanical analysis, swelling behavior, and scanning electron micrographs of failure surfaces all provided evidence of a substantial interphase in the composites that directly impacted performance properties. The functionality of the synthetic polyol further distinguished the behavior of the composite materials. Tri‐functional polyols generally increased strength and stiffness, regardless of fiber type. The data suggest that synthetic polyol functionality and relative accessibility of the internal polymer structure of the fiber wall are dominant factors in determining the extent of interphase development. Considerable opportunity exists to engineer the properties of this material system given the wide range of natural fibers and synthetic polyols available for formulation. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 80: 546–555, 2001     

Production and characterization of innovative carbon fiber–polycarbonate composites

Vapor Grown Carbon Fiber (VGCF)–polycarbonate composites were produced using conventional processing and the performance of the parts thus produced was evaluated. The tensile properties of the composites were only marginally better than those of the nonreinforced polymer, and the impact resistance decreased with the incorporation of the fibers. In an attempt to understand this behavior, the rheological characteristics of the composites were studied, using rotational (steady and oscillatory) and capillary rheometry. A decrease in viscosity with fiber content was observed and explained in terms of poor fiber-matrix adhesion. Evidence of possible weak fiber structures forming above a critical concentration was also found.     

Interfacial properties of glass fiber/brittle-ductile dual-matrix composites using micromechanical techniques and acoustic emission

The interfacial adhesion and microfailure modes of glass fiber-reinforced brittle unsaturated polyester/modified epoxy composites were investigated via micromechanical techniques and acoustic emission (AE). Various silane coupling agents caused different degrees of interfacial adhesion and subsequent microfailure modes. In the brittle matrix layer, the number of matrix fragments was significantly influenced by the type of silance coupling agents. The more cracks, the higher the interfacial adhesion under both dry and wet conditions. This is attributed to the chemical and hydrogen bondings in two interphases. The results obtained from microdroplet and fragmentation tests were correlated by associating with the AE technique. The sequential occurrence of mainly three groups of AE were as follows: the first group originated mainly from brittle matrix cracking. The second and the third groups resulted in fiber breakage and ductile matrix cracking and debonding. For dual-matrix specimens the micromechanical tests provide reliable information with regard to the interfacial adhesion and characterize the microfailure modes when combined with the AE technique.     

Ageing studies of pineapple leaf fiber–reinforced polyester composites

This experimental study evaluated the water absorption characteristics of pineapple leaf fiber (PALF)–polyester composites of different fiber content. The degree of water absorption was found to increase with fiber loading. The mechanism of diffusion was analyzed and the effect of fiber loading on the sorption kinetics was studied. The diffusion coefficient was calculated and found to increase with fiber content. Studies were also made to correlate water absorption with the cross‐sectional areas of the specimens. The effects of ageing on the tensile properties and dimensional stability of PALF polyester composites were studied under two different ageing conditions. Ageing studies showed a decrease in tensile strength of the composites. The composite specimens subjected to thermal ageing showed only a slight deterioration in strength. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 503–510, 2004     

Effects of thermoplastic elastomer on the morphology and mechanical properties of glass fiber‐reinforced polycarbonate/acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene

This article investigated the influence of thermoplastic elastomer like acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) high rubber powder (HRP), and ethylene methylacrylate (EMA) on the mechanical performances, flow ability, and morphology of glass fiber‐reinforced polycarbonate (PC)/ABS blends. Blending was carried out through a twin‐screw extruder, and all testing specimens were shaped by an injection molding machine. Experimental results showed that the toughening effect of EMA was more obvious than HRP due to fracture mechanism like crazing, shear yielding occurred in corporation with EMA. About 15 wt% glass‐fiber (GF) reinforcement and 6 wt% EMA toughening can get a balanced behavior among strength, stiffness, and toughness for superior performance of the polymer. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E144–E151, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Fracture behavior of sisal fiber–reinforced starch‐based composites

The fracture behavior of biodegradable fiber–reinforced composites as a function of fiber content under different loading conditions was investigated. Composites with different fiber content, ranging from 5 to 20 wt%, were prepared using commercial starch‐based polymer and short sisal fibers. Quasistatic fracture studies as well as instrumented falling weight impact tests were performed on the composites and the plain matrix. Results showed a significant increase in the crack initiation resistance under quasistatic loading. This was caused by the incorporation of sisal fibers to the matrix and the development of failure mechanisms induced by the presence of the fibers. On the other hand, a modest increasing trend of the resistance to crack initiation with fiber loading was detected. An improved fracture behavior was also observed when the impact loading was parallel to the thickness direction. Under these experimental conditions, the composites exhibited higher values of ductility index, energy at initiation and total fracture energy than the plain matrix. Furthermore, an increasing trend of these parameters with fiber content was detected in the biocomposites. Overall, the addition of sisal fibers to the biodegradable matrix appears to be an efficient mean of improving fracture behavior under both quasistatic and impact loading conditions. POLYM. COMPOS. 26:316–323, 2005. © 2005 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Investigating the acoustical properties of carbon fiber‐, glass fiber‐, and hemp fiber‐reinforced polyester composites

Wood is one of the main materials used for making musical instruments due to its outstanding acoustical properties. Despite such unique properties, its inferior mechanical properties, moisture sensitivity, and time‐ and cost‐consuming procedure for making instruments in comparison with other materials (e.g., composites) are always considered as its disadvantages in making musical instruments. In this study, the acoustic parameters of three different polyester composites separately reinforced by carbon fiber, glass fiber, and hemp fiber are investigated and are also compared with those obtained for three different types of wood specimens called poplar, walnut, and beech wood, which have been extensively used in making Iranian traditional musical instruments. The acoustical properties such as acoustic coefficient, sound quality factor, and acoustic conversion factor were examined using some non‐destructive tests based on longitudinal and flexural free vibration and also forced vibration methods. Furthermore, the water absorption of these polymeric composites was compared with that of the wood samples. The results reveal that the glass fiber‐reinforced composites could be used as a suitable alternative for some types of wood in musical applications while the carbon fiber‐reinforced composites are high performance materials to be substituted with wood in making musical instruments showing exceptional acoustical properties. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:2103–2111, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Carbon‐fiber‐reinforced acrylonitrile–styrene–acrylate composites: Mechanical and rheological properties and electrical resistivity

The aim of this study was to improve the mechanical properties of an acrylonitrile–styrene–acrylate copolymer (ASA) with the help of carbon fibers (CFs). Additionally, the effects of the CFs on the morphology, rheological properties, dynamical mechanical properties, electrical resistivity, and heat resistance of the ASA composites were studied with scanning electron microscopy, rotational rheometry, and dynamic thermomechanical analysis (DMA). The mechanical properties of the ASA composites were enhanced largely by the CFs. The maximum tensile strength of the ASA/CF composites reached 107.2 MPa. The flexural strength and flexural modulus also reached 162.7 MPa and 12.4 GPa, respectively. These findings were better than those of neat ASA; this was attributed to the excellent interfacial adhesion between the CFs and ASA resin. Rheological experiments proved that the viscosity and storage modulus (G′) values of the ASA/CF composites did not increase until the CF content reached 20%. The DMA outcomes confirmed that the glass‐transition temperature of the ASA composites was elevated from 120.6 to 125°C. Importantly, the G′ values of the composites with 20 and 30% CFs showed a large increase during heating. In addition, the ASA/CF composites exhibited excellent conductivity and heat resistance. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43252.     

Study on microfracture mechanism of short glass fiber reinforced polycarbonate by using acoustic emission

The influence of the difference in wettability between glass fiber (GF) and polycarbonate (PC) on the microfractures of GF reinforced PC was investigated by using an acoustic emission (AE) method. In the case of well‐coupled GF‐reinforced PC, it is suggested that in the AE amplitude region higher than about 16 mV, microfracture related to scission of polymer chains occurs at the interfacial layer between GF and PC. On the other hand, in the case of poorly‐coupled GF‐reinforced PC under stress, debonding and interfacial slippage between GF and PC occurred below the yield stress of PC, whereas interfacial fracture and GF breakage occurred above the yield stress. Debonding and interfacial slippage between GF and the PC matrix were closely related to an AE amplitude smaller than about 16 mV. The relationship between stress and AE events is expressed in this case by the Eyring model. The activation energy of interfacial slippage between GF and PC was about 74 kJ/mol, which corresponds to the energy of chain‐backbone motion of PC in the glassy state. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 45664.     

Freeze–thaw resistance of unidirectional‐fiber‐reinforced epoxy composites

The freeze–thaw resistance of unidirectional glass‐, carbon‐, and basalt‐fiber‐reinforced polymer (GFRPs, CFRPs, and BFRPs, respectively) epoxy wet layups was investigated from ?30 to 30°C in dry air. Embedded optic‐fiber Bragg grating sensors were applied to monitor the variation of the internal strain during the freeze–thaw cycles, with which the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) was estimated. With the CTE values, the stresses developed in the matrix of the FRPs were calculated, and CFRPs were slightly higher than in the BFRP and GFRP cases. The freeze–thaw cycle showed a negligible effect on the tensile properties of both GFRP and BFRP but exhibited an adverse effect on CFRP, causing a reduction of 16% in the strength and 18% in the modulus after 90 freeze–thaw cycles. The susceptibility of the bonding between the carbon fibers and epoxy to the freeze–thaw cycles was assigned to the deterioration of CFRP. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Improvement of mechanical properties of natural fiber–polypropylene composites using successive alkaline treatments

The use of natural fibers (NFs) in polymer composites for structural applications has increased greatly in the last years, owing to their abundance and biodegradability. In this work, an innovative and simple successive alkali treatment has been developed to improve the mechanical properties of NFs/polypropylene (PP) composites. Three different cellulosic fibers (curauá, jute, and flax) were used, with a fixed proportion of 10 wt %. The fibers were immersed several times in a 5 wt % NaOH solution. Thermogravimetric analysis data showed an improvement in thermal properties of the fibers, as well as the increase of the crystallinity degree was measured by X‐ray diffraction. By Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, disappearance of characteristics peaks of hemicelluloses and lignin was observed. Finally, mechanical behavior of the NF/PP composites was examined, using dynamic mechanical analysis. The results revealed that the curauá/PP mechanical properties were significantly improved, showing the positive effect of the successive alkali treatments. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41710.     

Interfacial shear strength in carbon fiber‐reinforced poly(phthalazinone ether ketone) composites

We studied interfacial shear strength (IFSS) in carbon fiber (CF)‐reinforced poly (phthalazinone ether ketone) (PPEK) composites system, with emphasis on the influence of forming temperature of composite and sizing agent on CFs. To obtain apparent IFSS of CF‐reinforced PPEK composites shaped at various forming temperatures ranged from 20 up to 370°C, microbond test was carried out at single‐fiber composites. Results of microbond test showed that apparent IFSS was directly proportional to the difference between the matrix solidification temperature (forming temperature) and the test temperature and approximately 80% of the apparent IFSS in CF/PPEK composite system was attributed to residual radial compressive stress at the fiber/matrix interface. By sizing CF with sizing agent, the wettability of the fiber by the matrix was improved and the final apparent IFSS was also improved. POLYM. COMPOS., 34:1921–1926, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Thermomechanical characteristics of benzoxazine–urethane copolymers and their carbon fiber‐reinforced composites

Copolymers of polybenzoxazine (BA‐a) and urethane elastomer (PU) with three different structures of isocyanates [i.e., toluene diisocyanate (TDI), diphenylmethane diisocyanate, and isophorone diisocyanate], were examined. The experimental results reveal that the enhancement in glass transition temperature (T_g) of BA‐a/PU copolymers was clearly observed [i.e., T_g of the BA‐a/PU copolymers in 60 : 40 BA‐a : PU system for all isocyanate types (T_g beyond 230°C) was higher than those of the parent resins (165°C for BA‐a and ?70°C for PU)]. It was reported that the degradation temperature increased from 321°C to about 330°C with increasing urethane content. Furthermore, the flexural strength synergism was found at the BA‐a : PU ratio of 90 : 10 for all types of isocyanates. The effect of urethane prepolymer based on TDI rendered the highest T_g, flexural modulus, and flexural strength of the copolymers among the three isocyanates used. The preferable isocyanate of the binary systems for making high processable carbon fiber composites was based on TDI. The flexural strength of the carbon fiber‐reinforced BA‐a : PU based on TDI at 80 wt % of the fiber in cross‐ply orientation provided relatively high values of about 490 MPa. The flexural modulus slightly decreased from 51 GPa for polybenzoxazine to 48 GPa in the 60 : 40 BA‐a : PU system. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Acoustic emission characterization of damage in short hemp‐fiber‐reinforced polypropylene composites

This article aims at investigating the effects of hygrothermal aging on the damage mechanisms of short white Hemp Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene (HFRP) composites with various fiber contents (10, 20, 30, and 40 wt%). Injected molded specimens were subjected to hygrothermal aging with a relative humidity of 80% and two temperatures, 25 and 50°C. The water absorption and its effect on tensile properties of HFRP composites were investigated. The Acoustic Emission (AE) technique combined with scanning electron microscopy observations was used to identify microstructural damage events leading to overall failure of the HFRP composites. This identification according to hemp‐fiber content and hygrothermal aging was made with an unsupervised method based on a statistical multi‐variable analysis (k‐means algorithm). The AE results indicate that the quality of fiber‐matrix interface plays a major role in the damage process of HFRP composites, shown by the number of AE signals induced by the interface failure and their amplitude ranges. POLYM. COMPOS. 37:1101–1112, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Fabrication and mechanical properties of glass fiber‐reinforced wood plastic hybrid composites

To fully utilize the resource in the municipal solid waste (MSW) and improve the strength and toughness of wood plastic composites, glass fiber (GF)‐reinforced wood plastic hybrid composites (GWPCs) were prepared through compounding of recycled high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) from MSW, waste wood fibers, and chopped GF. Mechanical tests of GWPCs specimens with varying amounts of GF content were carried out and the impact fractured surface of GWPCs was observed through scanning electron microscope (SEM). The tensile strength of GWPCs and the efficiency coefficient values were predicted by Kelly‐Tyson method. The results indicated that the tensile strength and impact strength of GWPCs could be improved simultaneously by adding type L chopped GF (L‐GF), and would be dropped down when type S chopped GF (S‐GF) was included. The tensile strength of GWPCs was well accordant with the experimental result. The efficiency coefficient values of S‐GF and L‐GF are ?0.19 and 0.63, respectively. Inspection of SEM micrographs indicated that L‐GF had achieved full adhesion with the plastic matrix through addition of maleic anhydride‐g‐polyethylene. The main fracture modes of GWPCs included pullout of GF, broken of matrix, and interfacial debonding. Because of the synergistic effects between hybrid components in GF/wood fiber/HDPE hybrid system, a special 3D network microstructure was formed, which was the main contribution to the significant improvement in the tensile strength and impact strength of L‐GF‐reinforced hybrid composites. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Preparation and properties of T300 carbon fiber‐reinforced thermoplastic polyimide composites

In this study, a series of T300 carbon fiber‐reinforced polyimide (CFRPI) composites were prepared by laminating premolding polyimide (PI) films with unidirectional carbon fiber (CF) layers. On the basis of PI systems design, the effect of CF volume fraction, processing conditions, and PI molecular structure on the properties of CFRPI composites was studied in detail. In addition, two kinds of nano‐particles, including carbon nano‐tube (CNT) and SiO₂ were filled into the premolding PI films with different concentrations. And the effect of nano‐particles on the properties of CFRPI composites was also investigated. The surface characteristic of T300 CF was measured by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The properties of premolding PI film and CFRPI composites were measured by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMTA), SANS testing machine, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and so forth. These experimental results showed that the properties of CFRPI composites were mainly affected by the premolding PI film and molding condition. The change of CF volume fraction from 55% to 65% took little effect on the mechanical properties of CFRPI composites. In addition, the incorporation of nano‐particle SiO₂ could further improve the properties of CFRPI composites, but CNT hardly improved the properties of CFRPI composites. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 646–654, 2006     

Dynamic mechanical behavior of LCP fiber/glass fiber–reinforced LLDPE composites

Liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) fibers and glass fibers have been used to rein force linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) by using an elastic melt extruder and the compression molding technique. The impact behavior of hybrid composites of different composition is compared and is explained on the basis of the volume frac tion of the fibers. Addition of glass fibers decreases the Izod impact strength LLDPE. The impact strength of the composites increases when glass fibers are placed by LCP fibers. Dynamic mechanical α and β relaxations are studied and effect of variation of fiber composition on these relaxations is reported in the tem perature range from −50 to 150°C at 1 Hz frequency, a relaxation shifts toward higher temperatures with addition of fibers in LLDPE. Addition of fibers increases the storage modulus of LLDPE.     

Short sisal fiber‐reinforced tire rubber composites: Dynamic and mechanical properties

The world tendency toward using recycled materials demands new products from vegetable resources and waste polymers. In this work, composites made from powdered tire rubber (average particle size: 320 μm) and sisal fiber were prepared by hot‐press molding and investigated by means of dynamic mechanical thermal analysis and tensile properties. The effects of fiber length and content, chemical treatments, and temperature on dynamic mechanical and tensile properties of such composites were studied. The results showed that mercerization/acetylation treatment of the fibers improves composite performance. Under the conditions investigated the optimum fiber length obtained for the tire rubber matrix was 10 mm. Storage and loss moduli both increased with increasing fiber content. The results of this study are encouraging, demonstrating that the use of tire rubber and sisal fiber in composites offers promising potential for nonstructural applications. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 91: 670–677, 2004     

Preparation and properties of L‐lactide‐grafted sisal fiber–reinforced poly(lactic acid) composites

Pretreatment of the sisal fiber (SF) grafting with L‐lactide (LA) monomer via a ring‐opening polymerization catalyzed by a Sn(II)‐based catalyst was performed to improve the interfacial adhesion between SF and poly (lactic acid) (PLA). Biocomposites from LA‐grafted SF (SF‐g‐LA) and PLA were prepared by compression molding with fiber weight fraction of 10, 20, 30, and 40%, and then were investigated in contrast with alkali‐treated sisal fiber (ASF) reinforced PLA composites and untreated SF reinforced PLA composites. PLA composites reinforced by half‐and‐half SF‐g‐LA/untreated SF (half SF‐g‐LA) were prepared and studied as well, considering the disadvantages of SF‐g‐LA. The results showed that both the tensile properties and flexural properties of the SF‐g‐LA reinforced PLA composites were improved noticeably as the introduction of SF‐g‐LA, compared with pure PLA, untreated SF reinforced PLA composites and ASF reinforced PLA composites. The mechanical properties of the half SF‐g‐LA reinforced PLA composites were not worse, even better in some aspects, than the SF‐g‐LA reinforced PLA composites. Fourier transform infrared analysis and differential scanning calorimetry analysis exhibited that both the chemical composition and crystal structure of the SFs changed after LA grafting. In addition, the fracture surface morphology of the composites was studied by scanning electron microscopy. The morphological studies demonstrated that a better adhesion between LA‐grafted SF and PLA matrix was achieved. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:802–809, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of hot-pressed SiC nanofiber reinforced SiC composites

This study reports on the preparation and mechanical properties of a novel SiC_nf/SiC composite. The single crystal SiC nanofiber(SiC_nf) reinforced SiC ceramic matrix composites (CMC) were successfully fabricated by hot pressing the mixture of β-SiC powders, SiC_nf and Al–B–C powder. The effects of SiC_nf mass fraction as well as the hot-pressing temperature on the microstructure and mechanical properties of SiC_nf/SiC CMC were systematically investigated. The results demonstrated that the 15 wt% SiC_nf/SiC CMC obtained by hot pressing (HP) at 1850 °C with 30 MPa for 60 min possessed the maximum flexural strength and fracture toughness of 678.2 MPa and 8.33 MPa m^1/2, respectively. The nanofibers pull out, nanofibers bridging and cracks deflection were found by scanning electron microscopy, which are believed can strengthen and toughen the SiC_nf/SiC CMC via consuming plenty of the fracture energy. Besides, although the relative density of the prepared SiC_nf/SiC CMC further increased with the sintering temperature rose to 1900 °C, the further coarsend composites grains results in the deterioration of the mechanical properties for the obtained composites compared to 1850 °C.