Effect of alkali and ultraviolet aging on physical,thermal, and mechanical properties of fibers for potential use as reinforcing elements in glass/silicate composites

This work reports the effect of an alkaline environment and ultraviolet (UV) radiation on the physical, thermal, and tensile properties of different fibers selected as potential reinforcing elements to enhance the impact properties of brittle glass/silicate composites. The fibers, which included regenerated cellulosic (viscose and rayon), synthetic (ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, acrylic), glass, ceramic, and steel, were aged in different alkaline solutions with pH ranging from 11.1 to 13.6 at 70°C for different periods of time and exposed to UV radiation for 330 h. The physical and thermal properties of aged fibers were studied using tensile testing, scanning electron microscopy, and simultaneous differential and thermogravimetric analysis. Results showed that the regenerated cellulosic fibers, acrylic, E‐glass, and A‐glass fibers could not withstand the highly alkaline environment. Overall, ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene, UV‐stable polypropylene, polyamide 6.6, AR‐glass, ceramic (alumino borosilicate), and steel fibers performed very well under all conditions, indicating that they have the potential to be used as reinforcing elements in glass/silicate composites. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Thermal and mechanical properties of particulate fillers filled epoxy composites for electronic packaging application

Epoxy composites containing particulate fillers‐fused silica, glass powder, and mineral silica were investigated to be used as substrate materials in electronic packaging application. The content of fillers were varied between 0 and 40 vol%. The effects of the fillers on the thermal properties—thermal stability, thermal expansion and dynamic mechanical properties of the epoxy composites were studied, and it was found that fused silica, glass powder, and mineral silica increase the thermal stability and dynamic thermal mechanical properties and reduce the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). The lowest CTE value was observed at a fused silica content of 40 vol% for the epoxy composites, which was traced to the effect of its nature of low intrinsic CTE value of the fillers. The mechanical properties of the epoxy composites were determined in both flexural and single‐edge notch (SEN‐T) fracture toughness properties. Highest flexural strength, stiffness, and toughness values were observed at fillers content of 40 vol% for all the filled epoxy composites. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrograph showed poor filler–matrix interaction in glass powder filled epoxy composites at 40 vol%. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Study of the carbon fiber–Poly(Ether–Ether–Ketone) (PEEK) interfaces, 4: influence of fiber–matrix adhesion on the mechanical properties of unidirectional composites

The aim of the last part of this general study is to analyze the influence of the interfacial properties and, more precisely, the adhesion energy, between carbon fibers and PEEK on the final performance of unidirectional composites. A set of mechanical properties, i.e. interlaminar shear strength, longitudinal tensile and compressive and transverse tensile properties, of different unidirectional laminates with the same content (60% by volume) of carbon fibers is determined. It is first shown that the interlaminar shear strength is constant, whatever the type of materials. Therefore, this test is not appropriate to characterize the strength of the fiber–matrix interface in PEEK-based composites. On the contrary, in agreement with previous work on other systems, it appears that the ultimate properties (longitudinal tensile and compressive as well as transverse tensile strengths and strains) of the laminates increase with the interfacial adhesion energy, whereas the stiffness of these composites remains unaffected in all cases.     

The mechanical properties of plasma‐treated carbon fiber reinforced PA6 composites with CNT

The aim of this work is the evaluation of the effects of plasma treatment and the addition of CNT on the mechanical properties of carbon fibre/PA6 composite. A powder impregnation process with integrated inline continuous plasma of carbon fibers was used to produce CF/PA6 composite. CF/PA6 composite was processed into test laminates by compression moulding, and interface dominated composite properties were studied. The tensile and impact strength of composites containing CNT and plasma‐treated carbon fibres improved obviously. The tensile strength of nanocomposite largely increases with the increasing of the CNT content and then decreases when the CNT content is over 2%. The hydroxyl groups of the fibers surface are in favor of the wettability of carbon fibers by the polar matrix resin, which is resulting in a further interaction of the fiber surface with the curing system of the matrix resin.     

Preparation and Properties of Biodegradable Spent Tea Leaf Powder/Poly(Propylene Carbonate) Composite Films

The aim of the present work is to develop novel bio-based lightweight material with improved tensile and thermal properties. Spent tea leaf powder (STLP) was used as a filler to improve the tensile and thermal properties of polypropylene carbonate (PPC). Tea is an important material used in hotels and households, and spent tea leaf is a resulting solid waste. Composite films with STLP were obtained by the solution casting method. These films were characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and tensile testing to examine the effect of filler content on the properties of the composites. The results showed that composite films have increased tensile strength due to enhanced interfacial adhesion between the filler and the matrix. In addition, the composite films also exhibited higher thermal degradation temperatures than pure polypropylene carbonate. The morphology results indicate that there is a good interface interaction between STLP and PPC. Results of the study reveal STLP to be a promising green filler for polymer plastics.     

The effect of granite powder on mechanical,structural and water absorption characteristics of alkali treated cordia dichotoma fiber reinforced polyester composite

Environmental and societal concerns such as pollution, disposal of solid waste, requirement of different conflicting properties for materials in varied applications and cost are the main reasons for the development of new materials from the existing materials. The concerns may possibly be overcome by substituting natural fibers for synthetic fibers. In this study, a hybrid composite was developed by reinforcing the natural fiber “cordia dichotoma” and filler “granite powder” into polyester resin. This composite was fabricated using hand lay-up method. Cordia dichotoma fibers were surface treated with NaOH for reducing the hydrophilic nature of the fiber. Unused industrial waste in the form of granite powder obtained from the granite polishing industry is utilized as reinforcement in polymer composite. The hybrid composite was prepared by reinforcing a constant cordia dichotoma fiber content of 20 wt % and varying the granite powder weight (wt. %) percentages (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20) into polyester resin. Mechanical properties (tensile, flexural and impact) of hybrid composites were investigated. The novelty of this work lies in utilization of granite powder sourced from industrial waste utilized as filler material. Granite, as one of the hard materials, may improve wear and other mechanical properties. Following the results obtained, granite powder could be evidenced as a good filler material for the betterment of composites mechanical properties. Also, the ability of this filler material is proved in decreasing water absorption and chemical resistance. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis was performed to investigate the bonding and distribution of granite powder within both the fiber as well as resin in the composite. Besides, the presence of chemical functional groups in the composite was traced by Fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Also, Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) was carried out and the composite was found to be thermally stable up to 415 °C.     

The effect of electrophoretic deposition p-aminobenzenesulfonamide grafted CNT on mechanical properties of carbon fiber filled polyamide 6 composite

The surface treatment of carbon fiber is carried out by electrophoretic deposition of p-aminobenzenesulfonamide grafted carbon nanotube (CNT), and it is used as a reinforcement of polyamide 6. The monofilament tensile test and XPS were used to study the effect of p-aminobenzenesulfonamide concentration on the tensile strength and surface functional groups of carbon fiber monofilaments. The results show that the higher the p-aminobenzenesulfonamide concentration, the greater the decrease in the mechanical properties of carbon fibers, and the greater the content of oxygen-containing functional groups on the surface. It is preferred that carbon fiber and thermoplastic polyamide 6 with higher retention rate of monofilament tensile strength and rich oxygen-containing functional group content are made into composite materials, and the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) is evaluated.     

Carbon–epoxy composites based on fibers coated with nylon 6,6: hygrothermal ageing versus interlaminar shear strength

Carbon fibers were coated in situ with a thin film of polyhexamethylene adipamide by an interfacial polycondensation technique. The modified fibers were used for the preparation of epoxy-based unidirectional composites. Specimens of these materials were immersed in water until equilibrium conditions were attained. The weight gain at equilibrium was determined as a function of the immersion temperature, the fiber volume fraction and the polyamide content deposited on the fibers. Water penetration in specimens made with uncoated carbon fibers increases when the volume fraction decreases. Introduction of the polyamide interlayer initially increases the water absorption, but reduces it at higher immersion temperatures and/or higher polyamide contents. The treated specimens were subjected to the short beam test to determine the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS). The data show that the ILSS decreases with water penetration but increases when the immersion temperature increases from 40 to 70°C. The overall performance encountered is discussed in terms of the possible roles of the polyamide interphase while taking into account mechanisms concerned with matrix plasticization, interphase degradation and residual stress relaxation.     

Combination of glass fibres and minerals in polyamides

Polyamides reinforced with glass fibres are characterised by high values for modulus of elasticity and notched impact strength but also have the negative properties of rough surfaces and anisotropy - particularly anisotropic shrinkage. Mineral-filled polyamides have good surface properties, are isotropic and have high impact strength, however, the elasticity modulus is only slightly better than for normal polyamides and notched impact strength values are relatively low. Through a combination of glass fibres and mineral filler, surface properties can be improved and anisotropy reduced. In order to achieve the optimum mechanical properties a range of 0 - 50 wt.-% glass fibre content and 0 - 40 wt.-% mineral content was systematically examined using statistically designed experiments. This investigation showed the relationship between the “Responses”, surface appearance, shrinkage, modulus of elasticity, impact strength and tensile properties and the “variables”, glass fibre and mineral content. Optimal products, based on the model functions, can be chosen in this way.     

Polymer matrix influence on stability of wood polymer composites

The aim of the presented work is to show the influence of the various polymer matrices and the different amounts of the cellulose filler on the composites properties. Samples based on polypropylene, polystyrene, polyoxymethylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyester resin, and polylactic acid with different contents of cellulose fibers were prepared by injection molding process. The mechanical and dielectric properties of these composites were studied in order to check whether investigated wood polymer composites fulfill requirements for their application in electrical devices. For all tested composites, a linear increase of modulus with cellulose content was observed. Addition of cellulose to the tested polymers significantly reduces strain at break. In the case of polypropylene and polyoxymethylene composites, the tensile strength increases with the content of the filler. For other materials, there is an inverse relationship, namely the addition of cellulose decreases the tensile strength. The electrical strength decrease was observed with increased cellulose content for the majority of the investigated composites. Polar groups incorporated by cellulose fibers have led to dielectric constant increase. Furthermore, aging of composites in mineral oil and evaluation of water uptake for wood–plastic samples were performed. Wood polymer composites have changed significantly after aging. The water diffusion coefficients were determined, and the significant influence of the amount of cellulose on the water absorption was shown. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mechanical,thermal, and morphological properties of powder coating waste reinforced acetal copolymer

The present study investigates the individual effects of three different thermosetting waste materials, used as fillers, on the mechanical, thermal and flow properties of acetal copolymers (POM). Different amounts ranging from 5% to 30% by weight of hydrolyzed powder coating recyclates were mixed as filler material in POM. The matrix and the fillers were first dry-mixed and then compounds were prepared through melt extrusion. The resulting compounds were cooled, granulated, and then standard tensile test bars were produced through use of an injection-molding machine. We investigated the mechanical and thermal properties of test specimens, and tensile strength, bending strength and impact strength were evaluated as a function of type and amount of filler material in the POM matrix. In addition, the change in melt flow index of POM/filler mixtures was determined, before and after extrusion. Furthermore, the morphology of the specimens was examined via electron microscopy. The results of this investigation are encouraging and present an innovative approach to reutilize hydrolyzed electrostatic powder coating wastes with thermoset structures as fillers in acetal copolymers.     

The investigation of the friction and wear properties of surface‐treated carbon fiber/SiO2 reinforced PMMA composites

The mechanical properties of SiO₂ filler particles on carbon fibers have been under discussion for several decades; the diverse models, and the properties of the components relevant to retention, are critically reviewed in the first part of this study. In addition, to gain an insight into some possible combined effect of the carbon fiber/poly(methyl methacrylate) (CF/PMMA), interfacial adhesion strength and the tensile properties and dielectric strength of the hybrid composites were studied. Simple modified rules of mixtures are used to estimate the fiber efficiency factors for the strength and modulus of the hybrid composites. Except, with the increasing fraction of CFs in PMMA, the weld line area's elongation percent is decreased. Whereas for case of SiO₂, the 10 wt% is the threshold for micro injection molded weld line tensile strength and dielectric strength turning from decrease trend to increase. Same as CF, elongation of micro weld line samples is in general lower than neat PMMA as well, due to the addition of SiO₂ particles.     

The effect of fiber coating on the tensile properties of ionomer-based composites

Asbestos fibers, of the chrysotile variety, were coated with a thin polyamide film by an in situ polycondensation technique. Ionomer-based composites were prepared containing the so-modified asbestos fibers in a random in-plane orientation; results of testing the tensile properties of these asbestos/polyamide/ionomer composites are presented. Parameters investigated comprise the asbestos content in the composite and the polyamide content deposited on asbestos. A significant improvement in the tensile performance was established, especially at the intermediate polyamide content of 3.4 phr. The behavior is discussed in terms of possible interactions between the phases present in the composite material.     

Solid-state morphology,structure, and tensile properties of polyethylene/polyamide/nanoclay blends: Effect of clay fraction

The effect of nanoclay fraction on the linear and non-linear tensile properties of a polyethylene/polyamide 12 blend with droplet morphology was investigated. All ternary blends were prepared at a fixed polyamide (PA) weight fraction of 20%, and at clay volume fractions varying from 0.5 to 2.5% relative to PA. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the morphology of the blends and the clay interphase structure. The nanoclay content was shown to strongly influence both linear and non-linear tensile properties. Young's modulus, elongation at yield, yield strength, tensile strength and elongation at break as a function of clay fraction were studied and discussed in terms of morphological changes and strain-induced structural reorganization of the clay interphase.     

Properties of wood-polymer composites with a polymer matrix containing sevilens

The effect of vinylacetate unit content in sevilen used as a polymer matrix or polyethylene compatibilizer on the properties of wood-polymer composites with a thermoplastic binders and filler of plant origin is studied. It is shown that the introduction of vinylacetate units decreases the tensile strength, contact elastic modulus, Brinell hardness, and water absorption of the composites, but increases the relative tensile elongation and impact viscosity without notch.     

Towards scalable production of polyamide 12/halloysite nanocomposites via water‐assisted extrusion: mechanical modeling,thermal and fire properties

In this study, polyamide 12 (PA12)/untreated halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) nanocomposites are prepared in a semi‐industrial scale extruder using a non‐traditional “one step” water‐assisted extrusion process. A morphological study is carried out using a combination of scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analyses to evaluate the influence of water injection and filler content on the quality of clay dispersion. The use of water injection slightly improves the nanoscale dispersion at low HNTs content (<8 wt.%), while this effect is more pronounced at higher filler loading (16 wt.%). A mechanism explaining the physico‐chemical action of water during extrusion is proposed. The materials are characterized with respect to their mechanical, thermo‐mechanical, thermal and fire properties. A strong correlation is found between nanostructure and physical properties; the more uniform dispersion of the clay nanotubes, the higher mechanical reinforcement, thermal stability and fire retardancy of PA12 nanocomposites. Tensile tests results are interpreted in terms of three mechanical models: the Halpin–Tsai's model for stiffness and the interfacial strength model and the Pukanszky's equation for yield strength. Linear fits of the experimental data confirm that the superior reinforcement of nanocomposites prepared using water injection results from improved clay dispersion and better interfacial adhesion between PA12 and HNTs. In view of these promising results, the proposed direct melt compounding method could be easily scaled‐up towards the production of PA12–HNTs nanocomposites at an industrial scale. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Characterization of recycled polyamide 6: Effect of polypropylene and inorganic contaminants on mechanical properties

Recycled polyamide 6 (PA6) from post-industrial waste fibers (PIW) and post-consumer carpet waste (PCW) are characterized in this study. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) indicate the presence of polypropylene (PP) in PCW. Furthermore, measured ash content of PCW is ca. 6 wt.%, while PIW has only 0.5 wt.% inorganic content. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) show that inorganic contaminants of PCW and PIW are calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) and titanium dioxide (TiO₂), respectively. Due to higher inorganic filler content, PCW exhibits higher melt viscosity and higher storage modulus than that of PIW. PIW has 20% higher tensile strength than that of PCW. However, a drastic 70% drop is observed in vibration weld strength of PCW, which is attributed to its PP contamination. The negative effect of PP on the weld strength of recycled PA6 is also confirmed by measuring the mechanical properties of model compounds.     

Very-high-strength (60-GPa) carbon nanotube fiber design based on molecular dynamics simulations

The mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes such as low density, high stiffness, and exceptional strength make them ideal candidates for reinforcement material in a wide range of high-performance composites. Molecular dynamics simulations are used to predict the tensile response of fibers composed of aligned carbon nanotubes with intermolecular bonds of interstitial carbon atoms. The effects of bond density and carbon nanotube length distribution on fiber strength and stiffness are investigated. The interstitial carbon bonds significantly increase load transfer between the carbon nanotubes over that obtained with van der Waals forces. The simulation results indicate that fibers with tensile strengths to 60 GPa could be produced by employing interstitial cross-link atoms. The elastic modulus of the fibers is also increased by the bonds.     

The tensile properties of HNO3‐treated carbon fiber reinforced ABS/PA6 composites

In this study, acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene (ABS) terpolymer was reinforced with HNO₃‐treated short carbon fibers (SCFs) [(hollow carbon fibers (HCFs)]. The effects of HCF concentration on the tensile properties of the composites were examined. Increasing the HCF concentration in the ABS matrix from 10 to 30 wt% resulted in improved tensile strength and tensile modulus. To obtain a strong interaction at the interface, polyamide 6 (PA6) at varying concentrations was introduced into the ABS/10 wt% SCF composite. The incorporation and increasing amount of PA6 in the composites increased tensile properties of the ABS/PA6/HCF systems due to the improved adhesion at the interface, which was confirmed by the ratio of tensile strength as an adhesion parameter. These results were also supported by scanning electron micrographs of the ABS/PA6/HCF composites, which exhibited an improved adhesion between the SCFs and the ABS/PA6 matrix. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Bio-Based Nanocomposites of Cellulose Acetate and Nano-Clay with Superior Mechanical Properties

Summary: Bio-based nanocomposites were manufactured by melt intercalation of nanoclays and cellulose acetate (CA) with and without plasticizer. Glycerol triacetate (triacetin) as plasticizer up to 30 mass%, and different types of organo-modified and unmodified montmorillonites (MMTs) as filler were used. X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), were used to study clay dispersion, intercalation/exfoliation, and structure of the composites. XRD and TEM revealed very good dispersion and exfoliation of modified clay throughout the CA matrix. While for unmodified clay agglomeration and poor dispersion but an intercalated structure was observed. The mechanical properties of injection moulded test bars were determined by a tensile experiment giving tensile strength, Young's modulus and elongation at break. Adding plasticizer facilitated the processing and up to 20 mass%, increased the tensile strength, Young's modulus and elongation at break as well. Higher amount of plasticizer diminished the tensile properties except elongation showing a slight increase. In all plasticized composites, organo-modified clay improved the tensile strength and at the same time, young's modulus and elongation almost remained constant. On the other hand, plasticized CA compounded with unmodified clay revealed lower properties. In a particular case, compounding of unplasticized CA with unmodified clay resulted in superior mechanical properties with a novel structure. So that, in optimum percentage –5 mass%- of unmodified clay, tensile strength and young's modulus increased significantly by 335% and 100%, to 178 MPa and 8.4 GPa, respectively. This is a dramatic improvement in strength and stiffness of CA. Adding organo-modified clay resulted in a little improvement in tensile properties. SEM pictures of the optimum composite showed a core/shell structure with high orientation in the shell part. It is supposed that this behaviour is caused by the interaction between CA hydroxyl groups and free cations existing in the galleries of unmodified clay.