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.     

Mechanical and thermal properties of recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) reinforced newspaper fiber composites

This study presents the mechanical and thermal properties of environment-friendly composites made from recycled newspaper fibers reinforced recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (rPET) resin with the addition of styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene grafted maleic anhydride (SEBS-g-MA) as compatibilizer. The effect of SEBS-g-MA addition (i.e., 10 phr) by using a twin-screw extruder to the rPET resin, followed by different fiber content (5, 10 and 15 wt.%) on the tensile, flexural and impact properties of the composites were determined. Stiffness of composites increased significantly compared to those of rPET/SEBS-g-MA blend. Fiber addition resulted in moderate increases in both tensile and flexural strength of the composites. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) photomicrographs of the impact fracture surfaces demonstrate good adhesion at 5 and 10 % fiber content. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed that the presence of newspaper fibers enhanced the nonisothermal crystallization kinetics and crystallinity. Thermal stability of the composites was improved as indicated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).     

Bio-composites: Development and mechanical characterization of banana/sisal fibre reinforced poly lactic acid (PLA) hybrid composites

The work focuses on the influencing effect of fiber surface treatment by BP towards mechanical properties of BSF reinforced PLA composites. BSF were treated by BP to improve the adhesion between fibres and matrix. BSF (30 wt %) reinforced PLA (70 wt %) hybrid composites were fabricated by means of twin screw extrusion followed by injection molding process. Tensile strength, flexural strength and modulus were tested by means of UTM. The morphological analysis of the untreated and treated BSF reinforced PLA composites in comparison with virgin PLA was carried out by SEM to examine the existence of interfacial adhesion between BSF and PLA. The resultant data reveals that treated BSF restricts the motion of the PLA matrix due to better wettability and bonding. Consequently, mechanical properties like tensile and flexural moduli of BSF reinforced PLA composites were enhanced in comparison to virgin PLA and untreated BSF reinforced PLA composites. The results are discussed in detail.     

Polypropylene/high-density polyethylene/carbon fiber composites: Manufacturing techniques,mechanical properties,and electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness

This study uses polypropylene (PP)/high-density polyethylene (HDPE) polyblends (80/20 wt.%) as matrices, which are then melt-blended with inorganic carbon fibers (CF) as reinforcement to form electrically conductive PP/HDPE composites. Tensile test, flexural test, Izod impact test, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) are performed to evaluate different physical properties of samples. A surface resistance and electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) measurements are used to evaluate the electrical properties of the PP/HDPE/CF composites. Test results show that an increasing content of carbon fibers results in an 18 %, 23 %, and 60 % higher tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact strength, respectively. SEM results show that carbon fibers break as a result of applied force, thereby bearing the force and increasing the mechanical properties of composites. DSC and XRD results show that the addition of carbon fibers causes heterogeneous nucleation in PP/HDPE polyblends, thereby increasing crystallization temperature. However, the crystalline structure of PP/HDPE composites is not affected. Surface resistivity results show that 5 wt.% of carbon fibers can form a conductive network in PP/HDPE polyblends and reduce the surface resistivity from 12×10¹² ohm/sq to 4×10³ ohm/sq. EMI SE results show that, with a 20 wt.% CF and a frequency of 2-3 GHz, the average EMI SE of PP/HDPE/CF composites is between -48 and -52 dB, qualifying their use for EMI SE, which is required for standard electronic devices.     

Tensile,Thermal, and Electrical Conductivity Properties of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Composites Using Itaconic Acid Based Dispersants

We prepared itaconic acid based dispersants (IBDs) by the copolymerization of itaconic acid with acrylic acid, acrylamide, or vinyl sulfonic acid, and compared the efficacy of the IBDs on carbon fiber (CF) dispersion in a water-based system, against that of sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) which is widely used as a dispersing agent. The procedure to fabricate nonwoven CF (NCF)/PP composites using IBDs includes the following steps: the synthesis of IBDs, the dispersion of CFs in water by the IBDs, the formation of a NCF, and hot pressing of NCF with polypropylene (PP) layer. We determined the tensile, thermal properties, and the electrical conductivity of non-woven CF/PP composites. It was found that using IBDs as a CF dispersing agent led to the CF/PP composites having better tensile, thermal, and electrical properties, as compared to when SDS was used as a dispersing agent.     

Si-Al hybrid effect of waterborne polyurethane hybrid sizing agent for carbon fiber/PA6 composites

The interface of fiber-reinforced composites has remained a vexing problem that limits the use of the excellent properties of carbon fiber (CF) in composite applications. In the present study, waterborne polyurethane (WPU) hybrid sizing agents were prepared to improve the performances of CFs and the interface strength of CF/PA6 composites. The structural and mechanical properties of the single-CF and CF/PA6 composites were systematic investigated. The results showed that the mechanical properties of the CF/PA6 composites were significantly improved by adding of WPU hybrid sizing agent. The tensile and flexural strengths of the WPU/SiO₂/Al₂O₃ hybrid sizing agent treated CF/PA6 composites were increased by 24.0 % and 25.7 % than those of no-sizing treated CF/PA6 composites, respectively.     

Thermal and structure properties of biobased cellulose nanowhiskers/poly (lactic acid) nanocomposites

Cellulose nanowhiskers were used to improve the performance of poly (lactic acid) (PLA). The nanocomposites mixed with three different molecular weight of poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) were characterized by mechanical testing, thermal gravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry. The tensile test showed an increase in tensile strength and elongation at break with the addition of PEG to PLA/CNW nanocomposites, the thermal analysis results showed an increase of crystallization temperature (T _c) and crystallization compatibility (larger crystallization and melting areas), which indicated that the cellulose nanowhiskers (CNW) and PEG or CNW alone should not be considered as nucleating agents for the PLA matrix; The CNW was homo-dispersed which contributed to decreasing mobility of polymer chain segments. The compatibility between hydrophobic PLA matrix and the hydrophilic CNW was improved by the addition of different molecular weight polymeric-PEG. The thermo gravimetric analysis indicated that the thermal stability of the different composites were reflected well in the region between 25 °C and 245 oC. The structure of the PLA/CNW/PEG composites was characterized by AFM, which showed that the CNW dispersed in the PLA matrix evenly.     

Mechanical and moisture absorption characterization of PLA composites reinforced with nano-coated flax fibers

This research is intended to improve the interface between the fibers and the matrix and limit water absorption of bio-based material thereby decreasing degradation of the composites when they are exposed to external environment such as high temperature and humidity. In this study, flax fibers were treated with an organic surface coating containing SiO₂ nanoparticles. This coating was a dispersion of silica fume in epoxy. One composite was also made with raw fibers as reference as well as one sample of pure PLA. Flax fibers/PLA composites were manufactured by hot pressing by stacking 4 PLA films and 3 pieces of flax fabric. Morphology and dispersion of the coating on the fibers was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Accelerated ageing was carried out on the 3 materials by placing them in a 50 °C water bath until saturation to investigate the influence of the coating on water diffusion. Mechanical properties of the different composites were investigated by tensile (before and after conditioning) and short beam shear (SBS) testing in order to evaluate the impact of the coating on the interfacial properties of the materials. The results show that the fibers surface was homogenized and that a better adhesion was reached because of the coating. Coating the fibers also allowed the decrease in water uptake by more than 10 % and their protection during conditioning, preserving their mechanical properties.     

Mechanical properties of denim fabric reinforced poly(lactic acid)

Denim, a twilled cotton fabric, was used to enhance the mechanical and thermal properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA). The denim fabric reinforced composites with different numbers of denim layers were fabricated by using a hand layup method. The impact, tensile, and dynamic mechanical properties of the composites were observed with increasing denim layers to examine the reinforcing effect of denim fabrics. Numerical analysis was carried out to model the elastic modulus of the composite by using a commercial software. Three-dimensional geometry of the denim fabric reinforced PLA composite was generated through a CAD program, and the elastic modulus was calculated by applying uniform deformation on one surface. The impact strength, tensile strength, and thermal properties of the composites were improved by piling denim fabrics. The denim fabric reinforced composites exhibited outstanding impact strength due to the retarded crack propagation as well as large energy dissipation. The 3 layer denim reinforced composite showed best results among all specimens, and its impact strength, tensile strength, and tensile modulus were measured to be 82 J/m, 75.76 MPa, and 4.65 GPa, respectively. The PLA/denim composites have good mechanical properties and can substitute traditional composites such as glass fiber or carbon fiber reinforced composites.     

Impact of succinic anhydride on the properties of jute fiber/polypropylene biocomposites

Chemical treatment is an often-followed route to improve the physical and mechanical properties of natural fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites. In this study, the effect of chemical treatment on physical and mechanical properties of jute fiber reinforced polypropylene (PP) biocomposites with different fiber loading (5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%) were investigated. Before being manufactured jute fiber/PP composite, raw jute fiber was chemically treated with succinic anhydride for the chemical reaction with cellulose hydroxyl group of fiber and to increase adhesion and compatibility to the polymer matrix. Jute fiber/PP composites were fabricated using high voltage hot compression technique. Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) tests were employed to evaluate the morphological properties of composite. Succinic anhydride underwent a chemical reaction with raw jute fiber which was confirmed through FTIR results. SEM micrographs of the fractured surface area were taken to study the fiber/matrix interface adhesion and compatibility. Reduced fiber agglomeration and improved interfacial bonding was observed under SEM in the case of treated jute fiber/PP composites. The mechanical properties of jute/PP composite in terms of Tensile strength and Young’s modulus was found to be increased with fiber loading up to 15 wt% and decreased at 20 wt%. Conversely, flexural strength and flexural modulus increased with fiber loading up to 10 wt% and start decreasing at 15 wt%. The treated jute/PP composite samples had higher hardness (Rockwell) and lower water absorption value compared to that of the untreated ones.     

Preparation and properties of alkaline functionalized carbon nanotubes reinforced polyurethane composites

Composites consisting of polyurethane (PU)/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been successfully prepared by solution mixing method. CNTs were modified through mechano-chemical reaction to increase the compatibility with PU via hydrogen bondings. SEM microphotographs proved that modified CNTs (M-CNTs) became shorter and FTIR spectra showed that hydroxyl groups had been introduced to the surface of M-CNTs. SEM images of PU/M-CNTs composites also proved that M-CNTs were effectively dispersed in PU matrix. Mechanical property tests showed that addition of M-CNTs could significantly improve the tensile properties of PU/M-CNTs composite (breaking strength enhancement ratio for composite with 5.0 wt% M-CNTs was 103.81 %). The thermal stability of composites with M-CNTs was also improved. The initial degradation temperature enhancement was 19.9 oC for the composite with 0.5 wt% M-CNTs. Electrical property tests showed that the electrical properties were improved by adding M-CNTs. The volume conductivities increased 3 and 5 orders of magnitude for the composites with 5.0 wt% and 10 wt% M-CNTs, respectively. The addition of M-CNTs had little effect on the elastic properties of the composites.     

Mechanical,thermal and interfacial properties of green composites from basalt and hybrid woven fabrics

Composites based on pure Basalt and Basalt/Jute fabrics were fabricated. The mechanical properties of the composites such as flexural modulus, tensile modulus and impact strength were measured depending upon weave, fiber contents and resin. Dynamic mechanical analysis of all composites were done. From the results it is found that pure basalt fiber combination maintains higher values in all mechanical tests. Thermo-gravimetric (TG/DTG) composites showed that thermal degradation temperatures of composites shifted to higher temperature regions compared to pure jute fabrics. Addition of basalt fiber improved the thermal stability of the composite considerably. Scanning electron microscopic images of tensile fractured composite samples illustrated that better fiber-matrix interfacial interaction occurred in hybrid composites. The thermal conductivity of composites are also investigated and thermal model is used to check their correlation.     

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.     

Effect of coir fiber content and compatibilizer on the properties of unidirectional coir fiber/polypropylene composites

The main objective of this research was to study the effect of fiber content variation and stearic acid (SA) treatment on the fundamental properties of unidirectional coir fiber (CF) reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites. Several percentages of filler contents were used (10–40 wt %) in order to gain insights into the effect of filler content on the properties of the composites. Coir/PP composites were fabricated by compression molding, and the properties of composites were studied by physico-mechanical and thermal properties. The results from mechanical properties such as tensile strength (TS), tensile modulus (TM) and impact strength (IS) of the CF/PP composites were found to be increased with increasing fiber content, reached an optimum and thereafter decreased with further increase in fiber content. Treatment of the coir with SA as the coupling agent enhanced the mechanical properties, crystallization temperature and crystallinity of virgin PP and water desorption of the resulting composites, resulting from the improved adhesion between the CF and PP matrix. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) of the tensile fractured samples showed improved adhesion between fiber and matrix upon treatment with SA. Interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of the composites was measured by single fiber fragmentation test (SFFT).     

Effect of surface treatment on the structure and properties of para-aramid fibers by phosphoric acid

The surface of para-aramid fiber was modified by phosphoric acid solutions (H3PO4) based on an orthogonal experimental design and analysis method. Statistical results indicate that treatment temperature is the most significant variable in the modification processing, while treatment time was the least important factor. The structure and morphology of the modified fiber were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction instrument (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results showed that some polar groups were introduced into the molecular structure of aramid fibers and the physical structure of the treated fibers was not etched obviously. The interfacial properties of aramid fiber/epoxy composites were investigated by the single fiber pull-out test (SFP), and the mechanical properties of aramid fibers were investigated by the tensile strength test. The results showed that the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of aramid/epoxy composites was remarkably improved and the breaking strength of aramid fibers was not affected appreciably after surface modification.     

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.     

Preparation and characterization of polyurethane foam using a PLA/PEG polyol mixture

Polyurethanes are polymers with urethane linkages in their backbone. It is prepared by polyaddition polymerization between isocyanates and polyols, which produce different chemical, physical, and mechanical properties depending on their types and characteristics. Previous reports of polyurethane foams prepared by using PEG polyol indicated prominent features in the elasticity and recovery of the foams. However, it is necessary to improve the mechanical strength of these materials. In this study, polyurethane foams were prepared using a PLA/PEG polyol mixture and 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate. PLA polyol was synthesized by the direct condensation polymerization of lactic acid. The polyurethane foams were characterized using FE-SEM analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy, water absorbency measurement, and mechanical property measurement. In FE-SEM analysis, it was shown that the PLA content of polyol mixture significantly affected the porous structure. FT-IR spectra confirmed that urethane linkages formed between the PLA/PEG polyols and the isocyanates. The water absorbency decreased due to the hydrophobicity of PLA. With respect to the mechanical properties, the breaking stress and the Young’s modulus increased with increasing PLA content. When the PLA content of polyols was 60 and 70 percent, the breaking strain was significantly higher than those of other polyurethane foams.     

Nano-SiO2 filled rice husk/polypropylene composites: Physico-mechanical properties

In this research, reinforcing effect of hybrid filler including rice husk (RH), beech bark (BB) and nano-SiO₂, in polypropylene has been investigated. In the sample preparation, four levels of filler loading were used for waste lignocellulosic materials (55-58 wt.%) and nano-SiO₂ (0-4 wt.%). In order to increase the interphase adhesion, polypropylene grafted with maleic anhydride was added as a coupling agent to all the composites studied. The physical properties, viz. the thickness swelling and water absorption, and mechanical properties, namely, the tensile, flexural and notched Izod impact strengths, of the composites were determined. Generally, high amount of filler content in composites can lead to the reduction of interfacial adhesion between matrix polymer and filler, and it limits their applications. The results showed that while flexural properties and elongation at break were moderately improved by the increase in the amount of filler in the matrix, tensile and Izod impact strengths decreased dramatically. However, the composites had acceptable mechanical strength levels. The mechanical properties of composites filled with RH are generally greater than BB composites. The thickness swelling and water absorption of the composites increased with the increase in the filler loading, but to a negligible extent as compared with the wood-based composites and the solid woods. Nano-SiO₂ addition showed little positive effect on the mechanical properties. It can be concluded from this study that the used waste lignocellulosic materials are attractive reinforcements from the standpoint of their physico-mechanical properties.     

The efficacy of coconut fibers on the sound-absorbing and thermal-insulating nonwoven composite board

The aim of this study is to examine the efficacy of the coconut fiber on the sound absorption and thermal insulation performance towards the composite nonwoven fabrics. The 2D polyester fiber and 12D fire retardant three-dimensional hollow crimp polyester fiber are individually mixed with 4D low-melting point polyester fiber (4DLMf) to produce 2D polyester nonwoven fabric (2D-PETF) and 12D polyester nonwoven fabric (12D-PETF) respectively. Subsequently, the coconut fiber (CF) is then laminated with the 2D-PETF and 12D-PETF to fabricate two types of PET/CF composite boards through the multiple needle-punching techniques. Accordingly, the sound absorption, thermal insulation, Limiting Oxygen Index and relative mechanical properties of the PET/CF composite boards are evaluated properly. The experimental results reveal that both types of PET/CF composite boards possess excellent thermal insulation performance and fire resistance property. Also, for both types of PET/CF composite boards, the average sound absorption coefficient increases with the increased amount of CF.     

Effect of Ni-coated short carbon fibers on the mechanical and electrical properties of epoxy composites

Ni-coated short carbon fibers (Ni-SCFs) were prepared using an electrodeposition method. Short carbon fiber (SCF) reinforced epoxy composites were prepared by changing the fiber content (0.1–0.7 wt%). To investigate the effect of Ni-coated short carbon fibers on the mechanical and electrical properties of the composites, we prepared two kinds of reinforcements: the short carbon fibers treated by 400 °C (400 °C treated SCFs) and Ni-SCFs. Fracture characteristics of the composites revealed the Ni coatings and the epoxy matrix had a better interface, so that the results of tensile and bending strength were better in epoxy/Ni-SCFs composites than those in epoxy/400 °C treated SCFs composites. The 400 °C treated SCFs decreased the electrical resistivity of the epoxy composites, compared to the pure epoxy. However the epoxy/Ni-SCFs composites had lower electrical resistivity than epoxy/400 °C treated SCFs with the same fiber content.