Effects of different fibers on the properties of short-fiber-reinforced polypropylene composites

• Published in: Composites science and technology Vol. 103; pp. 49 - 55
• Main Authors: Unterweger, Christoph, Brüggemann, Oliver, Fürst, Christian
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 28.10.2014; Elsevier
• Subjects: A. Fibers; A. Short-fiber composites; Adhesion; Applied sciences; B. Fiber/matrix bond; B. Mechanical properties; Composites; Contact angle measurements; Coupling agents; Density; Exact sciences and technology; Fibers; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Mathematical analysis; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Polymer matrix composites; Polypropylenes; Sizing; Technology of polymers; A. Short-fiber composites; B. Mechanical properties; B. Fiber/matrix bond; A. Fibers; Contact angle measurements; Ethylene terephthalate polymer; Short fiber; Synthetic fiber; Fiber reinforced material; Composition effect; Mineral fiber; Composite material; Impact strength; Surface properties; Olefin polymer; Carbon fiber; Elastic modulus; Propylene polymer; Ester polymer; Mechanical properties; Contact angle; Experimental study; Functional polymer; Surface treatment; Coupling agent; Thermal properties; Bending strength; Acrylonitrile polymer; Injection molding; Aramid fiber; Glass fiber
• ISSN: 0266-3538; 1879-1050
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compscitech.2014.08.014

The aim of this paper is to give a comprehensive overview of the effects of different fiber types on the properties (flexural/tensile strength and modulus, notched and unnotched impact resistance, heat deflection temperature, density) of injection molded short fiber-reinforced polypropylene composites. The fiber length in the composite materials was analyzed, too. The influence of a coupling agent on the fiber/matrix interaction respectively the composite performance was investigated. Different sizings are compared for most fiber types. All fibers were characterized by contact angle measurements and their respective surface energies were calculated. Most fiber types used show a reinforcing effect in accordance to the respective fiber properties. Comparison of different sizings and the use of a coupling agent show that fiber/matrix interaction has a significant impact on composite properties. A slight increase of the final fiber length can be achieved by using initially longer fibers. However, the results of this study indicate that a certain amount of adhesion is required for improving composite performance by increased fiber length.