Mechanical properties of flax-g-poly(methyl acrylate) reinforced phenolic composites

In order to develop composites with better mechanical properties and environmental performance, it becomes necessary to increase the hydrophobicity of the natural fibers and to improve the interface between matrix and natural fibers. Graft copolymerization of natural fibers is one of the best methods to attain these improvements. Only few workers have reported the use of graft copolymers as reinforcing material in the preparation of composites. So in the present paper, we report the preparation of graft copolymers of flax fibers with methyl acrylate (MA) using Fenton’s reagent (FAS-H₂O₂) as redox system. Synthesized flax-g-poly(MA) was characterized with FTIR, TGA/DTA, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. Composites were prepared using flax-g-poly(MA) as a reinforcement and phenolformaldehyde (PF) as the binding material. Mechanical properties of phenol-formaldehyde composites were compared and it has been found that composites reinforced with flax-g-poly(MA) showed improvement in mechanical properties. Composites reinforced with flax-g-poly(MA) showed better tensile strength (235 N) and compressive strength (814 N) in comparison to composites reinforced with original flax fiber which showed lesser tensile strength (162 N) and compressive strength (372 N). Composites reinforced with flax-g-poly(MA) shows the improved MOR, MOE, and SP.     

Preparation and UV-protective property of PVAc/ZnO and PVAc/TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> microcapsules/poly(lactic acid) nanocomposites

The poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc)/zinc oxide (ZnO) microcapsule and PVAc/titanium dioxide (TiO₂) microcapsule were synthesized via in-situ emulsion polymerization method. The PVAc/ZnO microcapsule and PVAc/TiO₂ microcapsule were characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis(TG), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis). Effect of PVAc/ZnO microcapsule and PVAc/TiO₂ microcapsule on properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) was evaluated by UV-vis, SEM and mechanical properties test. The results showed that the addition of PVAc/ZnO and PVAc/TiO₂ microcapsules as a UV-blocking additive could significantly enhance UV-blocking property of PLA/PVAc/ZnO microcapsule composites and PLA/PVAc/TiO₂ microcapsule composites compared with pure PLA, PLA/ZnO composites and PLA/TiO₂ composites. The mechanical properties of PLA/PVAc/ZnO microcapsule composites were better than those of PLA/ZnO composites due to good dispersability and compatibility of PVAc/ZnO microcapsule in PLA matrix. Also, the mechanical properties of PLA/PVAc/TiO₂ microcapsule composites were better than those of pure PLA and PLA/TiO₂ composites. This study demonstrates the great potentials of the intrinsically UV shield additive PVAc/ZnO and PVAc/TiO₂ microcapsules in the application of high performance matrix resin and composite material.     

Effects of surface treatment of ramie fibers in a ramie/poly(lactic acid) composite

The chemical and morphological properties of ramie fibers treated by chemical surface modification were examined with Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The mechanical and thermal decomposition properties were evaluated with respect to tensile strength, tensile modulus and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Surface morphological changes were investigated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Finally, the capabilities of composites reinforced with various chemically treated fibers were analyzed by investigating tensile and impact strengths. Additionally, the thermal mechanical properties of the composites were investigated with thermal mechanical analysis (TMA). Based on the results of these analyses, we concluded that pectin, lignin and hemicellulose were removed and thermal stability was increased with chemical treatments. The composites reinforced with ramie fiber showed better properties compared with pure PLA matrix with respect to tensile and impact strengths. The peroxide-treated fiber composite had the smallest thermal expansion.     

Improved interfacial properties of carbon fiber/unsaturated polyester composites through coating polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane on carbon fiber surface

Carbon fibers were coated with E51 plus Methacryl-POSS together in an attempt to improve the interfacial properties between carbon fibers and unsaturated polyester resins matrix. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were performed to characterize the changes of carbon fiber surface. AFM results show that the coating of E51 plus POSS significantly increased the carbon fiber surface roughness. XPS indicates that silicon containing functional groups obviously increased after modification. Dynamic mechanical analysis was carried out to investigate the surface energy of carbon fiber. Force modulation atomic force microscopy (FMAFM) and Interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) were used to characterize the interfacial properties of the composites. ILSS was increased by 21.9 % after treatment.     

Fabrication and Characterization of Poly(L-lactic Acid) Fiber Mats Using Centrifugal Spinning

Polylactic acid (PLA) fine fibers and multi walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) reinforced PLA fine fiber composites were developed utilizing a centrifugal spinning process. Chloroform and chloroform combined with dimethylformamide (DMF) were used to prepare solutions with varying concentrations of PLA and MWCNTs. The optimum spinning conditions to produce PLA fibers and its composites were determined. The morphology of the fibers was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. In addition, X-ray diffraction analysis and thermo-physical characterization was conducted using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. PLA fibers with an average diameter of 481 nanometers and PLA/MWCNT fibers with an average diameter of 358 nanometers were obtained. A decrease in the crystallinity of the fibers was observed when compared to bulk PLA values.     

An Investigation on Wear and Dynamic Mechanical behavior of Jute/Hemp/Flax Reinforced Composites and Its Hybrids for Tribological Applications

Bio-materials have ignited a quest among research fraternity to be used in every possible field of applications like automobile, sports, medical, civil and textile industry. Application spectrum of natural fiber reinforced polymer composites is spreading globally in every field of engineering having structural and tribological applications. The present work investigates the tribological performance of regionally available inexpensive plant based natural fiber reinforced polymer composites. In this work, three different types of natural fibers (jute, hemp, and flax) were reinforced with epoxy matrix to fabricate natural fiber reinforced polymer composites (NFRP) and their hybrid composites (jute/hemp/Epoxy, hemp/flax/epoxy and jute/ hemp/flax/epoxy) using hand-layup technique. Tribological performance of the developed bio-composites were evaluated in terms of frictional characteristics and sliding wear under dry contact condition at different process parameters, such as applied load (10-50 N), sliding speed (1-5 m/s) and sliding distance (1000-2000 m). Experimental results of wear analysis confirmed that incorporation of natural fibers into epoxy polymer matrix significantly improved the wear behavior of the developed NFRP composites in comparison to neat epoxy polymer. Among all the developed composites, jute/epoxy composite achieved the highest coefficient of friction, frictional force and specific wear rate. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) was also analyzed to evaluate the viscoelastic behavior of the developed composites. The surface morphology of samples after wear test was examined by scanning electron microscopy to investigate and propose the possible wear mechanism of the developed composites.     

Incorporation of surface modified graphene nanoplatelets for development of shape memory PLA nanocomposite

In this study, a temperature sensitive shape memory polymer (SMP) system based on polylactic acid (PLA) has been developed and the effect of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) on the shape memory properties was evaluated. Dispersion of GNPs in PLA was improved with the aid of a zwitterionic surfactant. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that the surface modified graphene nanoplatelets (SMGNPs) were exfoliated and homogenously dispersed in the PLA matrix due to enhancement of the polymer-graphene interaction. Mechanical properties of the samples namely stiffness and elasticity were increased upon incorporation of graphene nanoplatelets accompanied by their good dispersion in the PLA matrix. Furthermore, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed that the nucleation effect of graphene promote the crystallization and noticeably enhanced the degree of crystallinity. Finally, prominent mechanical properties along with high degree of crystallization due to fine dispersion of surface modified graphenes, resulted in drastic improvement in shape memory performance.     

Functionalization of lyocell fibers with TiO2, SiO2, and GLYMO

In the research self-cleaning coatings based on photocatalytically active nano titanium dioxide (TiO₂) were prepared. When applied directly to cellulose fiber surfaces, TiO₂ coatings form weak bonds with fibers. Therefore 3-glycidooxypropyl-trimethoxysilane was used as a coupling agent. It had been applied on the surface of cellulose fibers before the TiO₂ coating was performed. In this case, the silane is in the interface region, where it can be most effective as an adhesion promoter. Silane coupling agents have unique chemical and physical properties not only to enhance bond strength, but more importantly to prevent de-bonding at the interface during composite aging and use as well. The coupling agent provides a stable bond between two otherwise poorly bonding surfaces. Surface properties of these coatings have been examined, such as surface morphology and surface microstructure. TiO₂ nanoparticles were irreversibly attached to the surface of monodisperse silica (SiO₂) spheres and to the surface of Lyocell fibers coated with an epoxy-containing silane coupling agent. Analysis using scanning electron microscopy showed uniform distribution of nanoparticles in the resulting coatings. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed changes in the surface microstructure occurring after different modifications. In addition, the influence of photocatalytic activity on the mechanical properties of Lyocell fibers was determined. In addition to that, the results indicated that SiO₂ and the coupling agent provide a protection against high oxidizing power of TiO₂ under exposure to daylight irradiation.     

Effect of surface treatment of jute fibers on the interfacial adhesion in poly(lactic acid)/jute fiber biocomposites

Jute fibers have immense potential to be used as natural fillers in polymeric matrices to prepare biocomposites. In the present study jute fibers were surface treated using two methods: i) alkali (NaOH) and ii) alkali followed by silane (NaOH+Silane) separately. Effects of surface treatments on jute fibers surface were characterized using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses. Further, the effects of surface treatments on jute fibers properties such as crystallinity index, thermal stability, and tensile properties were analyzed by X-ray diffraction method (XRD), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), and single fiber tensile test respectively. The effects of surface treatment of jute fibers on interphase adhesion between of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and jute fibers were analyzed by performing single fiber pull-out test and was examined in terms of interfacial shear strength (IFSS) and critical fiber length.     

Surface characterization of aromatic thermotropic liquid crystalline fiber deposited by nanostructured silver

Nanostructured silver thin films were sputtered onto the aromatic thermotropic liquid crystalline fibers of Vectran by magnetron sputtering technology. Plasma treatment was used as pre-treatment in order to improve the deposition of the coating layer. Surface morphology of the coated fibers was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). A full energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) was used to detect the elemental composition of the material. Its conductivity and mechanical properties were measured and analyzed as well. The study revealed that a very thin conductive silver deposition exhibited high electrical conductivity as well as less influence on the mechanical properties of the pre-treated Vectran fiber. The plasma treatment could improved the deposition of the coating layer, but the surface roughness caused by plasma treatment also affected the surface conductivity. It was found that the surface resistivity could reach very low value of 1.66×10⁻³ Ω·cm after sputtering deposition for 30 min.     

Electrospun Poly-lactic Acid/Chitosan Nanofibers Loaded with Paclitaxel for Coating of a Prototype Polymeric Stent

Electrospun composite fibers of poly-lactic acid (PLA), chitosan (Ch) and paclitaxel (PTX) were fabricated for surface covering of a polymeric prototype PLA stent by means of single nozzle electrospinning approach to prepare a low cytotoxicity drug-eluting stent. Different concentrations of the drug (40 %, 60 %, 80 %, 100 % and 120 %) and chitosan (3 %, 5 %, 7 % and 9 %) were incorporated to reach the optimum composite fibers. The electrospun composite fibers were subjected to detailed analyses including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), tensile test, MTT assay, cell culture and in vitro drug release. Results have confirmed a proper physical encapsulation of PTX in the polymeric matrix in which no chemical bonding was detected between the polymers and the drug. Among the fabricated composite fibers, specimens including 40 % and 60 % drug also exhibited an excellent cytotoxicity and controlled drug release. SEM images have proved the effect of paclitaxel in resisting cell adhesion and propagation on the fibers. Findings from this study suggest a novel polymer/drug coating that could be potentially applicable in surface covering of polymeric stents e.g. PLA stents.     

Controlling the Properties of OPEFB/PLA Polymer Composite by Using Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> for Microwave Applications

Microwave-absorptive polymer composite materials provide protection against interference to communication systems caused by microwave-inducing devices. Microwave-absorptive polymer composites were prepared from polylactic acid (PLA) biocomposite blended with oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) fiber and commercial Iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) as filler using the melt-blending method. The composites characterization was carried out using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. The coefficient of reflection S₁₁ and coefficient of transmission S₂₁ of the composites for various Fe₂O₃ filler percentages were determined using a rectangular waveguide in connection with microwave vector network analyser (HP/Agilent model PNA N5227). These coefficients were then used to calculate microwave-absorption properties (in decibels). XRD analysis showed that increasing amounts of reinforced material (Fe₂O₃) reduces the crystallinity of the composites. SEM data indicated that Fe₂O₃ filler ratio increased in the composites, and adhesion to the cellulose fiber grew gradually until the highest percentage of filler was added. The complex relative permittivity and relative permeability were obtained within the broad frequency range of 8–12 GHz at room temperature for various percentages of filler and were measured by the transmission/reflection method using a vector network analyser. Fe₂O₃ embedment in OPEFB/PLA was observed to have resulted in enhancing the dielectric and magnetic properties. The values of permittivity and permeability increased with increasing Fe₂O₃ filler content. Theoretical simulation studied the relation between ε′ and ε″ of the relative complex permittivity in terms of Cole-Cole dispersion law. The result indicated that the processes of Debye relaxation in Fe₂O₃/OPEFB/PLA, the unique dielectric characteristics of Fe₂O₃ cannot be accounted for by both the Debye dipolar relaxation and natural resonance. Results further showed that the material transmission, reflection, and absorption properties could be controlled by changing the percentage of Fe₂O₃ filler in the composites.     

Hydrolytic stability of PLA yarns during textile wet processing

PLA knitted fabric was subjected to various textile wet processes viz., scouring, bleaching, and simulated dyeing. Various process parameters viz., temperature, time, and pH of the chemical bath were studied to investigate their effect on the hydrolytic stability of PLA fibers. The hydrolytic stability was measured in terms of weight loss and mechanical properties of PLA yarns. Infrared spectroscopy was carried out to investigate the surface chemistry of greige and processed PLA fibers. SEM was employed to investigate the surface morphology of fibers. The results showed that scouring should be carried out around glass transition temperature (T _g ) of the PLA polymer. Bleaching with hydrogen peroxide proved to be very deleterious to the fiber structure. Simulated dyeing of PLA at higher temperature and longer process times severely degraded the mechanical properties of PLA yarns.     

High Velocity Impact Response of Basalt Fibers/Epoxy Composites Containing Graphene Nanoplatelets

The effects of adding surface modified graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) in various weight percentages (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 with respect to matrix) on the high velocity impact response of basalt fibers/epoxy composites were evaluated. High speed mechanical stirrer and ultrasonic waves were used for the dispersion of GNPs in the epoxy matrix, and hand layup method was utilized for the fabrication of the composite samples. High velocity impact testing was performed using a conical projectile. The results demonstrated that the maximum improvement in the impact limit velocity and energy absorption occurred in the 0.3 wt.% GNPs nanocomposite, i.e., 11 and 23 %, respectively. Also, the electron microscopy studies revealed that the addition of GNPs contributed in improving the impact properties by influencing the matrix and thus enhancing the interfacial characteristics between the basalt fibers and the matrix.     

Effect of kenaf and EFB fiber hybridization on physical and thermo-mechanical properties of PLA biocomposites

Kenaf/empty fruit bunch/polylactic acid (kenaf/EFB/PLA) hybrid biocomposites were prepared using hot press technique. The ratio of fiber to polylactic acid was set at 60:40 with 1:1 ratio between kenaf and empty fruit bunch fibers. Physical, mechanical and thermal properties of hybrid biocomposites were subsequently characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, tensile and water absorption tests. Test results indicated that mechanically stronger fiber was able to support the weaker fiber. Hybrid fiber biocomposite had higher crystallinity as compared to single fiber biocomposite. Water absorption of hybrid composite was higher as compared to single fiber composite. Thermal result revealed that hybridization of fiber was not significantly influence the thermal properties of composites. However, the presence of two different fibers proposed good wettability properties, which could reduce the formation of voids at the fibers-polymer interface and produce composites with high stiffness and strength.     

The novel use of sodium borohydride as a protective agent for the chemical treatment of vegetable fibers

The vegetable fibers used as reinforcement for polymer matrix composites are usually treated to improve their adhesion with the matrix. The chemical treatment with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is widely employed, but it may damage the fiber surface structure, reducing its strength. This novel study is related to the use of hydride ions (H^?) as protective agent for vegetable fibers, under alkaline treatment, as a way to promote their use in polymeric composites. Sisal fibers were modified by immersion in a NaOH aqueous solution (2, 5, and 10 % wt/vol) with or without the addition of sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) (1 % wt/vol) under different treatment conditions. The treated fibers were characterized via density and moisture content analyses and also using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The effectiveness of NaBH₄ to protect the sisal fiber was more pronounced in moderate NaOH concentrations (5 %) at room temperature or higher for shorter alkaline treatment times.     

The reinforcement effect of carbon fiber on the friction and wear properties of carbon fiber reinforced PA6 composites

The tribological performance of PA6 and carbon fiber reinforced polyamide 6 (CF/PA6) under dry sliding condition was examined. Different contents of carbon fibers were employed as reinforcement. All filled and unfilled polyamide 6 composites were tested against CGr15 ball and representative testing was performed. The effects of carbon fiber content on tribological properties of the composites were investigated. The worn surface morphologies of neat PA6 and its composites were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the wear mechanisms were discussed. Moreover, all filled polyamide 6 have superior tribological characteristics to unfilled polyamides 6. The optimum wear reduction was obtained when the content of carbon fiber is 20 vol%.     

SiO2-kaolinite affecting the surface properties of ternary poly(vinyl chloride)/silica/kaolinite nanocomposites

The products from the dispersion of nanoscale particulates such as the layered clays or the spherical inorganic minerals within the polymeric matrices are called polymeric nanocomposites. In this paper, we prepared poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) based nanocomposites containing SiO₂-kaolinite by melt compounding. The influence of SiO₂-kaolinite on the surface properties of PVC was investigated by the use of various surface analysis techniques including a ttenuated total reflectance spectroscopy (ATR), wide angle X-ray diffractometry (WAXD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX), contact angle measurement (CAM), and reflectance spectroscopy (RS). ATR spectroscopy showed possible interaction between layered kaolinite and PVC at surface. Microscopic methods illustrated an increased surface roughness compared to the pure PVC. Contact angle measurements of the resultant PVC nanocomposites demonstrated that the wettability of substrates depends on the surface interactions between kaolinite layers and PVC matrix. Optical properties of nanocomposite films were finally measured by the aid of reflectance spectrophotometer. It can be seen from optical studies that reflectance values were increased after incorporation of SiO₂-kaolinite in nanocomposite.     

The addition of carbon fiber on the tribological properties of poly(vinylidene fluoride) composites

The current study examines the tribological performance of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and carbon fiber reinforced PVDF (CF/PVDF) under dry sliding condition. Different contents of carbon fibers were employed as reinforcement. All filled and unfilled polyimide composites were tested against CGr15 ball and representative testing was performed. The effects of carbon fiber content on tribological properties of the composites were investigated. The worn surface morphologies of neat PVDF and its composites were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the wear mechanisms were discussed. Moreover, all filled PVDFs have superior tribological characteristics to unfilled PVDFs. The optimum wear reduction was obtained when the content of carbon fiber is 20 vol %.     

Evaluating the Mechanical Behavior of Basalt Fibers/Epoxy Composites Containing Surface-modified CaCO<Subscript>3</Subscript> Nanoparticles

Polymer matrix composites (PMCs) owing to their outstanding properties such as high strength, low weight, high thermal stability and chemical resistance are broadly utilized in various industries. In the present work, the influence of silanized CaCO₃ (S-CaCO₃) with 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (3-APTMS) coupling agent at different values (0, 1, 3 and 5 wt.% with respect to the matrix) on the mechanical behavior of basalt fibers (BF)/epoxy composites was examined. BF-reinforced composites were fabricated via hand lay-up technique. Experimental results from three-point bending and tensile tests showed that with the dispersion of 3 wt.% S-CaCO₃, flexural strength, flexural modulus, tensile strength and tensile modulus enhanced by 28 %, 35 %, 20 % and 30 %, respectively. Microscopic examinations revealed that the development of the mechanical properties of fibrous composites with the incorporation of modified CaCO₃ was related to enhancement in the load transfer between the nanocomposite matrix and BF as well as enhanced mechanical properties of the matrix part.