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.     

The modification of Kevlar fibers in coupling agents by <Emphasis Type="Italic">γ</Emphasis>-ray co-irradiation

Kevlar fibers were treated in three kinds of coupling agents’ solutions by Co⁶⁰ γ-ray co-irradiation. After the treatment, the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) values of Kevlar fibers/epoxy composites were all improved. Surface elements of the fibers were determined by energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicated that the oxygen/carbon ratio of the treated fibers was increased and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrum confirmed the increase in the polar groups at the fiber surface. The tensile strength of the fibers was evaluated by statistical analysis using the Weibull distribution. The wettability of the fiber surface was also enhanced by the treatment. The possible mechanisms of γ-ray co-irradiation treatment are proposed by the radical reactions. The results indicated that γ-ray co-irradiation technique modified the physicochemical properties of Kevlar fibers and improved the interfacial adhesion of its composites.     

Surface treatments of jute fabric: The influence of surface characteristics on jute fabrics and mechanical properties of jute/polyester composites

In this study, jute fabrics were modified by alkali, micro-emulsion silicon (MS) and fluorocarbon based agents (FA) in order to enhance the interfacial adhesion between the polyester matrix and the jute fiber. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and contact angle measurements were used to characterize fiber surfaces. The effects of various surface treatments on the mechanical and morphological of jute/polyester composites were also studied. All surface treatments were shown to improve the tensile, flexural strengths and interlaminar shear strengths of the composites. Moreover, the maximum improvement in the mechanical properties was obtained for the FA treated jute/polyester composites. SEM micrographs of the tensile fracture surface of jute/unsaturated polyester composites also exhibited improvement of interfacial and interlaminar shear strengths by the alkali, MS and FA treatments of jute fibers.     

The application of gas plasma technologies in surface modification of aramid fiber

Gas plasma technologies have been utilized to improve the surface properties of fibers in many applications from textiles to fiber-reinforced composites since the 1960s. This review discusses the feasibility and characteristics of gas plasma technologies applied to aramid fiber. The influence of various plasma treatments on the chemical and mechanical properties of aramid fibers as well as fiber-reinforced composites is described. The moisture regain is emphasized to achieve good bonding between aramid fibers and polymer matrix and to enhance the surface modification of aramid fiber and mechanical properties of the composites. More sophisticated technologies such as plasma-initiated graft polymerization are also discussed to highlight very recent developments.     

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.     

Synthesis and application of ramie fiber soft modifier comprised of carboxylate-containing polymer

In effort to improve the soft properties of ramie fiber, we synthesized a carboxylate-containing polymer for use as a modifying agent, and successfully modified the ramie fiber in a strong base with the carboxylate-containing polymer. We applied Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to investigate the structures of the raw and modified ramie fibers, and further investigated the mechanical and dyeing properties of the raw and modified ramie fibers. The results showed that the surface of the ramie fiber underwent significant changes due to the grafting reaction of the carboxylate-containing polymer and fiber. After the chemical modification, the flexural strength and initial modulus of the modified ramie fiber decreased while tensile strength increased, indicating that the softness of the modified ramie fiber increased though its tensile resistance remained high. In addition, the fixation of reactive dyes on the modified ramie fiber was larger than that of the reactive dyes on the raw ramie fiber. Our observations of mechanical properties and dye fixation indicated that the carboxylate-containing polymer is an effective and efficient soft modifier.     

Processing and characterization of nickel-plated PBO fiber with improved interfacial properties

A new application of conventional electroless nickel plating to improve the interfacial properties of PBO fibers was reported. The relationship between surface morphology and interfacial properties of nickel-plated PBO fiber was explored. The continuous nickel coating consisted of nickel and phosphorus elements determined by Energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and transmission electron microscope (TEM), exhibiting high adhesive durability. The influence of bath temperature and plating time on the crystal structure, microstructure and mechanical properties of nickel-plated PBO fibers was systematically investigated. X-ray diffractometer (XRD) results revealed that the crystal structure among nickel-plated PBO fibers did not show differences. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Atomic force microscope (AFM) images showed that the process parameters had a great influence on surface morphology and roughness of nickel-plated PBO fibers, which could directly affect the interfacial properties of nickel-plated PBO fibers. Single fiber pull-out testing results indicated that the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of PBO fibers after electroless nickel plating had a significant improvement, which reached maximum at 85 °C for 20 min. Single fiber tensile strength of nickel-plated PBO fibers was slightly lower than that of untreated one. Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated that nickel-plated PBO fiber had excellent thermal stability.     

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.     

Green composites. I. physical properties of ramie fibers for environment-friendly green composites

The surface topography, tensile properties, and thermal properties of ramie fibers were investigated as reinforcement for fully biodegradable and environmental-friendly ‘green’ composites. SEM micrographs of a longitudinal and cross-sectional view of a single ramie fiber showed a fibrillar structure and rough surface with irregular cross-section, which is considered to provide good interfacial adhesion with polymer resin in composites. An average tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and fracture strain of ramie fibers were measured to be 627 MPa, 31.8 GPa, and 2.7 %, respectively. The specific tensile properties of the ramie fiber calculated per unit density were found to be comparable to those of E-glass fibers. Ramie fibers exhibited good thermal stability after aging up to 160°C with no decrease in tensile strength or Young’s modulus. However, at temperatures higher than 160°C the tensile strength decreased significantly and its fracture behavior was also affected. The moisture content of the ramie fiber was 9.9%. These properties make ramie fibers suitable as reinforcement for ‘green’ composites. Also, the green composites can be fabricated at temperatures up to 160°C without reducing the fiber properties.     

Mechanical behavior of composites reinforced with fibers caroa

Composites were prepared with 13, 23 30 and 40 % fiber and evaluated the mechanical performance in tensile, flexural and impact. The mechanical properties of these composites were also evaluated function of time at 110 °C thermal exposure. Caroa fibers were characterized by techniques such as thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that the best mechanical properties were achieved for composites containing 23 to 30 % fiber. The incorporation of 23 % fiber caroa increased both the modulus of elasticity in the tensile test as the flexural strength and impact, the composite with 30 % fiber caroa showed higher tensile strength. The results show that the tensile and flexural strength of the composite decreased with time of thermal exposure. The thermal aging at 110 °C caused a decrease in tensile properties of the composites.     

Mercerization mediated modification of cellulosic fibers with NIPAAm and some compounds with antioxidant activity

A two step process was used for the modification of a cellulose/chitin mixed fibers: the first step was an alkali treatment with a NaOH solution (20 %), which was followed by the reaction with one of the reagents such as Nisopropylacrylamide, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, gallic acid, or eugenol. Both the samples activated with the alkali treatment and modified with chemicals were characterized by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and thermal analysis. Results revealed the morphological and structural changes of the fiber surface after the surface grafting, which significantly altered the cellulose/chitin mixed fiber properties. Thermal analysis results showed an increase in the thermal stability of the treated samples. Antioxidant activity of cellulose/chitin mixed fibers modified with phenolic compounds showed that the efficiency depends on the chemical nature of phenolic compound.     

Matrix modification with silane coupling agent for carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites

To improve interfacial adhesion between carbon fiber and epoxy resin, the epoxy matrix is modified with N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropylmethyldimethoxysilane (YDH602) and N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (YDH792), respectively. And the effect of matrix modification on the mechanical performance of carbon/epoxy composites is investigated in terms of tensile, flexural and interlaminar properties. The flexural properties indicate that the optimum concentration of silane coupling agents YDH602 and YDH792 for the matrix modification is approximately 0.5 wt% of the epoxy resin system, and the mechanical properties of the YDH792-modified epoxy composites is better than that of the YDH602-modified epoxy composites at the same concentration. Compared to unmodified epoxy composite, the incorporation of 0.5 wt% YDH792 results in an increase of 4, 44 and 42 % in tensile, flexural and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) values of the carbon/epoxy composite, respectively, while the corresponding enhancement of tensile and flexural modulus is 3 and 15 %. These improvements in mechanical properties can be considered to be an indication of better fiber/matrix interfacial adhesion as confirmed by SEM micrographs of the fracture surface after interlaminar shear testing. The viscosity of the modified epoxy resin system can be reduced by incorporation of silane coupling agent YDH792, which is beneficial for fiber impregnation or wetting during liquid composite molding process.     

Study on mechanical and thermal properties of fiber-reinforced Epoxy/Hybrid-silica composite

Recently, carbon fiber composites have been widely used as structural reinforcement materials of buildings, replacing reinforcing bars or concrete. And the increase in use of super fibers such as aramid and high strength PE, which is aimed at improving the reinforcement properties, has resulted in a demand for a resin system with excellent mechanical and thermal properties. In this research, a fiber-reinforced composite has been produced by using the super fibers such as carbon fiber or aramid fiber, reinforcement resin and the silica hybrid compound containing epoxy group. This study was carried out to confirm the effect of the silica hybrid on mechanical properties, heat resistance and adhesion strength of a fiber-reinforced epoxy composite, which was produced by blending silica or introducing silica hybrid through covalent bonds. And the silica hybrid containing epoxy group, which may be introduced to the structure of fiber-reinforced epoxy composite through covalent bonds caused by reaction with a hardener, has been used, so that the heat resistance and adhesion strength could be improved.     

Study on the surface modification of PBO fiber under dielectric barrier discharge treatment

In order to improve the interfacial adhesion property between Poly(p-phenylene benzobisoxazole) (PBO) fiber and epoxy, the surface modification effects of PBO fiber under dielectric barrier discharge treatments in different time were investigated. The samples were tested for surface morphology, functional groups, surface wettability and interfacial shear strengths (IFSS) in epoxy using scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, water contact angle measurements and Micro-bond pull out tests, respectively. The results indicated that fiber surface morphology after plasma treatment was rougher than untreated one. Some polar groups were introduced on fiber surface in plasma treatment. Moreover, surface wettability and the IFSS between fiber and epoxy had much improvement after plasma treatment, the contact angle decreased with the treatment time increasing and reached the lowest value when the treated time was 60 s, and the IFSS was improved by 117.3 %. On the other hand, no significant difference in single fiber tensile test was observed between treated and untreated fibers when the processing time was shorter than 75 s, but the tensile strength declined by more than 10 % after 75 s treatment as a result of the excessive plasma etching.     

Modification of polyacrylonitrile precursor fiber with hydrogen peroxide

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursor fibers were modified for different periods of time using hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution. A variety of tests were employed to characterize the fibers. The modification could induce cyclization and oxidation in the precursor fibers, as reflected by the changes in length and diameter of the fibers, and the results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Compared with the unmodified fiber, the modified fibers released less heat during a heating process similar to stabilization of PAN precursor fiber. Also, the modified fibers showed lower characteristic temperatures on differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermograms, and lower onset temperature of weight loss on thermal gravimetry (TG) curves. The modified fibers had more surface defects and hence exhibited lower tenacity and tensile modulus. Compared with the unmodified fibers, however, the modified fibers had smoother surface and fewer defects after stabilization. The strain decreased with increasing temperature under a constant tension for all the fibers. At the temperatures above 200 °C, the shrinkage of the fibers decreased with the increase of modification time, because a certain degree of cyclization and oxidation occurred in modified fibers, making them shrink less in the temperature range equivalent to stabilization.     

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.     

Surface modification of polyester fibers by thermal reduction with silver carbamate complexes

In this study, the surface of polyester fiber was modified by means of thermal treatment with a silver carbamate complex. We used scanning electron microscopy (SEM), an X-ray diffraction technique (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to allow a detailed characterization of the silver-coated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers. The results revealed remarkable changes in the surface morphology and microstructure of the silver film after thermal reduction. On SEM, the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were seen to be uniformly and densely deposited on the fiber surface. The XRD pattern of the silver-coated fiber indicated that the film has a crystalline structure. A continuous layer of AgNPs, between 30 and 100 nm in size, was assembled on the PET fibers. The PET/Ag composite was found to impart high conductivity to the fibers, with an electrical resistivity as low as 0.12 kΩ·cm.     

Experimental study on structure and mechanical properties of hemp/PBTG composites with fiber contents and thermal exposures

Most materials used in daily life are polymeric materials based on petrochemistry. The used polymeric materials can cause land pollution and air pollution after landfill or incineration. In contrast, natural fiber reinforced (NFR) composites are more suitable for the environment, however the reliability in terms of the durability and weatherability of NFR composites is still lacking. Thus, NFR composites require the reliability involved with durability and weatherability. In this work, poly(butylene terephthalate-co-glutarate) (PBTG), with a chemical structure similar to biodegradable PBAT, was used as the matrix in the composites, and hemp fibers were used as the reinforcement. Hemp/PBTG composites were fabricated by stacking hemp-fiberwebs and PBTG films with various fiber contents and thermal exposure times. Characteristics of the composites, such as the morphological structure, chemical structure, tensile properties, compressive properties, flexural properties, and impact strength, were analyzed to obtain the effects of fiber volume fraction and thermal exposure. As a result, hemp/PBTG composites were hardened in proportion to fiber volume fractions, and the hardening behavior of the composites increased tensile strength and flexural strength. However, the hardened structure of the composites decreased the impact strength and compressive strength of the composites. On the other hand, the mechanical properties of hemp/PBTG composites with thermal exposure times, were governed significantly by the brittleness behavior of the resin and the increased crystallinity of hemp fibers. Thus, the hemp fibers contributed to the improvements on structural stability, tensile strength and flexural strength of the hemp/PBTG composites, and increased the thermal durability of the composites with various thermal exposures.     

The Synergistic Effect of Organic Phosphorous/α-Zirconium Phosphate on Flame-Retardant Poly(lactic acid) Fiber

The flame-retardant poly(lactic acid) (FR-PLA) fibers with different contents of modified α-zirconium phosphate (α-ZrP) and polysulfonyldiphenylene phenyl phosphonate (OP) were prepared by melt spinning. The organic modification of α-ZrP was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, wide angle X-ray diffraction, and thermo gravimetric analysis. The limiting oxygen index, vertical burning test, and cone calorimeter test were used to investigate the synergistic effect of OP/α-ZrP on flame-retardant property of FR-PLA, the test results suggested that the combustion of PLA fibers was efficiently inhibited by OP/α-ZrP. The results of scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectrum, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated that the flame-retardant mechanism of OP/α-ZrP mainly depended on condensed phase. The tensile strength and morphology of FR-PLA fibers with OP/α-ZrP were better than those of fibers treated only with OP, demonstrating that α-ZrP could significantly improve the mechanical property of FR-PLA fibers.     

Bioprocess preparation of wheat straw fibers and their characterization

Plant fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites have gained much attraction in structural applications such as building and automotive products. Agricultural residues such as wheat straw, bagasse, and corn stover can also be exploited as readily available natural fiber resources for similar applications. The objective of this study was to extract fibers from wheat straw and also to determine the usefulness of fungal retting of wheat straw before extracting the fibers. Wheat straw was mechanically defibrillated using a laboratory-scale mechanical refiner before and after fungal retting. Fiber characteristics such as physico-chemical and mechanical properties, surface characteristics, and thermal properties of the resultant fibers were measured in order to explore the possibilities of using the fibers as reinforcing materials. Retted fibers were stronger than un-retted fibers. The length and diameter of the retted fibers were lower than the un-retted fibers. FT-IR spectroscopic analysis of the wheat straw fibers indicated the fractional removal of hemicelluloses and lignin from the retted fiber. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) of the fibers showed the partial removal of extractives from the surface of the retted fibers. Also, the oxygen to carbon ratio (O/C) of the fibers illustrated that there is more lignin type surface structure for both retted and un-retted fibers. However, slightly higher ratio of oxygen to carbon in the retted fiber indicated a more carbohydrate-rich fiber than the un-retted fiber. Thermal degradation characteristics demonstrated the suitability of processing wheat straw fibers with thermoplastics.