Matrix-Material Fabrication Technique and Thermogravimetric Analysis of Banana Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene Composites

From the environmental consideration,it would be very interesting to use natural fibers such as banana,jute or coir as reinforcement materials instead of artificial fibers or any kind of synthetic materials.Natural fibers have many advantages over synthetic ones.Polypropylene banana fiber composites(PPBC)are prepared using untreated and alkali-treated banana fibers at 10-25%by weight of the fiber loading.The thermal properties of polypropylene natural fiber composites are very important for technological uses.Thermogravimetric measurements show that the incorporation of banana fiber into PP enhances the thermal stability of composites containing treated fibers,in comparison with untreated fibers.A composite of biodegradable polypropylene(PP)reinforced with short banana natural fibers was prepared by melt blending followed by a hot press molding system.The thermal properties of matrix materials were studied using thermogravimetric analyzers TGA units.It is observed that the introduction of short banana fibers slightly improved the thermo oxidative stability of PP-banana composites.Physical and chemical changes occurred through dehydration,phase transition,molecular orientation,crystallinity disruption,oxidation and decomposition,and incorporation of several functional groups.Systematic investigations of the thermal behavior of polymers in gas,vacuum or inert atmosphere give the knowledge of how change takes place in polymers.To understand such changes thermogravimetric analysis(TGA)and thermal analysis(TG)were performed.It is observed reinforcement of short banana fiber leads to little improvement in the thermooxidative stability of PPBC.Due to the enhancement of thermo-mechanical properties,such composites may be used as building materials namely roof materials,selling materials and many other engineering applications.

Effects of Strain Rate and Fiber Content on the Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Sisal Fiber Cement-Based Composites

In this paper,a split Hopkinson pressure bar(SHPB)was used to investigate the dynamic impact mechanical behavior of sisal fiber-reinforced cement-based composites(SFRCCs),and the microscopic damage evolution of the composites was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy(SEM)and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrome-try(EDS).The results show that the addition of sisal fibers improves the impact resistance of cement-based composite materials.Compared with ordinary cement-based composites(OCCs),the SFRCCs demonstrate higher post-peak strength,ductility,and energy absorption capacity with higher fiber content.Moreover,the SFRCCs are strain rate sensitive materials,and their peak stress,ultimate strain,and energy integrals all increase with increasing strain rate.From the perspective of fracture failure characteristics,the failure of OCCs is dominated by the brittle failure of crystal cleavage.In contrast,the failure mode of the SFRCCs changes to microscale matrix cracks,multi-scale pull-out interface debonding of fibers(fine filaments and bundles),and mechanical interlock.This research provides an experimental basis for the engineering application of high-performance and green cement-based composites.

Reinforcing effects of modified Kevlar~ fiber on the mechanical properties of wood-flour/polypropylene composites

Kevlar fiber （KF） is a synthesized product with strong mechanical properties. We used KF as a reinforcement to improve the mechanical properties of wood-flour/polypropylene （WF/PP） composites. KF was pretreated with NaOH to improve its compatibility with the thermoplastic matrix. Maleated polypropylene （MAPP） was used as a coupling agent to improve the interfacial adhesion between KF, WF, and PP. Incorporation of KF improved the mechanical properties of WF/PP composites. Treatment of KF with NaOH resulted in further improvement in mechanical strength. Addition of 3% MAPP and 2% hydrolyzed KF （HKF） led to an increment of 93.8% in unnotched impact strength, 17.7% in notched impact strength, 86.8% in flexure strength, 50.8% in flexure modulus, and 94.1% in tensile strength compared to traditional WF/PP composites. Scanning electron microscopy of the cryo-fractured section of WF/PP showed that the HKF surface was rougher than the virgin KF, and the KF was randomly distributed in the composites, which might cause a mechanical interlocking between KF and polypropylene molecules in the composites.

Intumescent Flame-retardant Modification of Polypropylene/Carbon Fiber Composites

To improve the flame resistance of polypropylene(PP)/carbon fiber(CF)composite materials,triazine char-forming agent(TCA)was compounded with ammonium polyphosphate(APP)or modified APP(CS-APP)in a 2:1 ratio to prepare intumescent flame retardant(IFR)and the modified intumescent flame retardant(CS-IFR)in this paper.Flame retardancy and thermal degradation behaviors of the composites modified by IFR and CS-IFR were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared(FTIR),contact angle measurement,oxygen index(OI),vertical burning tests(UL-94),thermogravimetric analyer(TGA),and thermogravimetric analyzer coupled with Fourier transform infrared(TG-FTIR).It was found that 25.0 phr of IFR and 24.0 phr of CS-IFR could improve the LOI value of PP/CF composites to 28.3%and 28.9%,respectively.At the same time,a UL-94 V-0 rating was achieved.The experimental results show that the IFR and CS-IFR prepared could effectively improve the flame retardancy and thermostability of PP/CF composites,and they would greatly expand the application range of PP/CF composite materials.

Preparation and Properties of Unmodified Ramie Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene Composites

Ramie fiber （RF） was used to reinforce the polypropylene （PP）. The composites were prepared with a melting hybrid technology. Tests had been performed on PP and composites with different RF contents （10 wt%, 20 wt%, and 30 wt%）. By using SEM, DSC, TGA, electronic universal testing machine, HDT-VICAT tester and coefficient of linear expansion tester, the effects of the RF loading were assessed on the basis of morphologies, mechanical and thermal properties as well as vicat softening temperature and CTE of the resulting composites. The results show that the thermal degradation temperature of the PP/RF composites becomes lower with higher fiber content. The crystallization rate of the PP matrix is accelerated by the unmodified RF. Because of the inferior interfacial bonding strength between RF and PP, the tensile strength of composites decreases by the presence of RF. And the RF used is relatively long compared with the diameter, the impact strength of the composites is improved by the unmodified RF. The vicat softening temperature of composites can be increased by about 5℃ in the presence of RF compared with PP. The CTE is reduced significantly in the presence of RF. Generally speaking, impact strength, crystallization rate, vicat softening temperature and CTE of PP/RF composites could be improved in the presence of RF. The tensile strength is decreased and thermal degradation temperature of composites becomes lower, but these should not affect most subsequent normal uses of the composites. As the unmodified RF is used directly, no hazardous waste is produced during the fabrication process, combined with the low price, so, a facile and economic preparation pathway is given by using unmodified natural fiber to reinforce polymer and composites with good performance obtained.

Effect of maleic anhydride grafted styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene （MA-SEBS） on impact fracture behavior of polypropylene / wood fiber composites

MA-SEBS as compatibilizer and impact modifier was incorporated into Polypropylene/Wood Fiber （PP/WF） to enhance interface adhesion and impact strength of the composite. The effect of MA-SEBS content on the impact fracture behavior of PP/WF composites was studied. The impact properties of composites with 8% MA-SEBS reached the maximum value. And further increasing of MA-SEBS content to 10% did not improve the fracture toughness, but improved the stiffness of composites by DMA analysis. This was attributed to the improved PP/WF adhesion. As the MA-SEBS content is more than 8%, the molecule interaction of PP and WF was expected to much stronger than lower MA-SEBS. Scanning electron microscopy （SEM） was performed to analyze the impact fracture surface and showed a stronger affinity for the wood surfaces.

Production and Properties of Short Jute and Short E-Glass Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene-Based Composites

Short jute fiber (2 - 3 mm) reinforced polypropylene PP-based composites (20% fiber by weight) were fabricated using compression molding and the mechanical properties were evaluated. Tensile strength (TS), tensile modulus (TM), elongation at break (Eb%), flexural strength (FS), flexural modulus (FM), impact strength (IS), and hardness of the composites were found to be 32 MPa, 850 MPa, 12%, 38 MPa, 1685 MPa, 18 kJ/m2 and 96 shore-A, respectively. Then short E-glass fiber (2 - 3 mm) reinforced PP-based composites (20% fiber by weight) were fabricated and mechanical properties were compared with short jute-based composites. Short jute-based composites showed excellent mechanical properties and comparable to short E-glass-based composites. Soil degradation test of both types of composites indi-cated that jute/PP composites significantly lost much of its mechanical properties but E-glass/PP composites retained major portion of its original integrity. Interfaces of the degraded composites were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and supported the biodegradation properties of jute/PP composites.

Study of Maleic Anhydride Grafted Polypropylene Effect on Resin Impregnated Bamboo Fiber Polypropylene Composit

Previously, Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) and phenolic resin were used for resin impregnated bamboo fiber reinforced PP composites which was manufactures for resin impregnated bamboo fiber with polypropylene (PP). Resin impregnation method can show improvement on tensile strength of fiber. However, to reduce the contact surface area and low inter-facial shear strength (IFSS) between impregnated resin and matrix, using 40% weight fraction of bamboo fiber in PP matrix, PVA impregnated composites with mean flexural and tensile strength 10% higher than untreated composites were produced butphenolic resin impregnated fiber reinforced composition’s mechanical properties were decreased. In this study maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAPP) was used to increase interfacial shear strength between resin impregnated fiber and PP. With 10% MAPP, IFSS between resin impregnated fiber and PP increased more than 100% and reinforced composites. MAPP with untreated, phenolic resin and PVA impregnated cases showed similar mechanical properties. Yet in water absorption test, the PVA treatment with bamboo/PP composites increased water absorption ratio. But with 10% MAPP, matrix PP water absorption ratio decreased like phenolic resin impregnated fiber reinforced composites. 10% MAPP with resin impregnated bamboo fiber reinforced PP composites can improve IFSS, mechanical properties of composite and can decrease water absorption PVA resin impregnated bamboo fiber reinforced composites.

Analysis on degradation behaviors of sisal fibers at various pH conditions

The degradation behaviors(mass loss,tensile strength,crystallinity index,and microstructure)of sisal fibers immersed in sodium hydroxide solution with pH of 13.6,12.9,and 11.9 were investigated via X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy.A three-stage degradation process of natural fibers in an alkaline environment was proposed.The results showed that the sisal fibers exhibited a sharp mass loss over the first 7 d of degradation under all pH conditions,attributable to the rapid hydrolysis of lignin and hemicellulose at the fiber surface.The sisal fibers degraded at pH 12.9 and 13.6 over 1 month exhibited significantly lower tensile strengths(181 and 195 MPa,respectively)than the original fibers(234 MPa)because of the loosely bound structure of the component microfibrils caused by the hydrolysis of the linking lignin and hemicellulose.After 6-month degradation,stripped microfibrils occurred in the fibers,resulting in substantial degradation in tensile strength.The sisal fibers degraded at pH 11.9 largely maintained their integrity and tensile strength,even after 6 months,indicating that reducing the environment pH can effectively mitigate the degradation.

Elements of Structural Masonry Reinforced with Sisal Fibers

There is great interest in the use of natural fibers as reinforcement to obtain new construction materials due to its low cost, high availability and reduced energy consumption for its production. This paper evaluates the incorporation of sisal fibers of 20 mm and 40 mm in length and volume fraction of 0.5% and 1% for concrete masonry structural blocks, and determines the use of these units to build prisms and mini-walls. Laboratory tests were carried out to characterize the physical of blocks and mortar, in addition to the axial compression tests of the units, prisms, and mini-walls. The sisal had low apparent density and high water absorption, which is a common feature of such material due to the high incidence of permeable pores. The physical properties of the blocks with and without addition complied with the standard requirements established to validate their use. The obtained results showed that the fiber-reinforced mini-walls obtained values very close to or even higher than those obtained for the mini-walls without fibers, demonstrating better performance than the blocks and prisms.

A Study of Fabrication Technique, Structural and Morphological Behavior of Polypropylene Reinforced with Short Natural Fiber Banana

Fiber reinforced polypropylene has been widely accepted as material for structural and engineering applications in recent years.Jute,Banana fibers etc.are the most common low cost,versatile,renewable and abundantly available natural fibers which have biodegradable properties.All these fibers are versatile,renewable and most common agro based fibers that have enormous aspect due to their potentiality in composite manufacture.In comparison to other artificial fibers there are many advantages of natural fibers due to everyday applications such as,paperweight,suitcases,lampshades,helmets,and shower and bath units.Untreated and alkali treated banana fiber reinforced with Polypropylene matrix composite were fabricated with 10-25%loading of fiber by weight and were fabricated as Polypropylene Banana Composite(PPBC).Using melt mixing hot press molding technique these biodegradable composites were prepared.Different characteristics like morphologies and micro structural analysis of the composites were studied by Scanning electron microscope(SEM)and infrared spectroscopy instrument(IR).Due to the concept of group vibration infrared spectroscopy has the extensive application.Any kind of structural change such as addition or substitution of groups or atoms in a molecule may affect the relative mode of vibration of the group.This causes change in IR spectral band position,change in relative intensities and appearance of new bands and disappearance of any band and splitting of a single band into two or more bands.To increase the utility of fiber infrared spectroscopy can also be used.It deals with the interaction of infrared light with matter.The former can indicate the presence of functional groups qualitatively and the latter can provide a semi quantitative measure of their concentrations.On the other hand Electron Microscopy is most widely used to obtain information regarding the morphology of fiber surfaces,especially SEM(Scanning Electron Microscopy).Using SEM,it is easy to determine the differences of fiber surface topography after and before treatment,and hence the formation of fiber polymer composites.Fiber deboning was also observed for untreated and treated fiber pp matrix composite.The SEM can have a magnification range from a few times to several hundred thousand times.

Flame-retardant Wrapped Ramie Fibers towards Suppressing “Candlewick Effect” of Polypropylene/Ramie Fiber Composites

In this work, a flame-retardant polypropylene（PP）/ramie fiber（RF） composite was prepared. The ramie fibers were wrapped chemically by a phosphorus- and nitrogen-containing flame retardant（FR） produced via in situ condensation reaction so as to suppress their candlewick effect. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy（FTIR）, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy（XPS） and scanning electron microscopy（SEM） demonstrated that the ramie fibers wrapped chemically by FR（FR-RF） were obtained successfully. Thermogravimatric test showed that the PP/FR-RF composite had more residue and better thermal stability at high temperatures than the PP/RF composite. Cone calorimeter（CC） results indicated that the peak of heat release rate（PHRR） and total heat release（THR） correspondingly decreased by 23.4% and 12.5% compared with the values of neat PP/RF. The PP/FR-RF composite created a continuous and compact char layer after the combustion. Combining FTIR analysis of char residue after CC test with heat conduction coefficient results, it could be concluded that the charring of FR on RF greatly weakened the candlewick effect of RF, and more char residue in the RF domain facilitated the formation of more continuous and compact char layer in the whole combustion zone, consequently protected PP composites during combustion, resulting in the better flame retardancy of PP/FR-RF composite than that of PP/RF composite.

Withdraw: Improvement on Adhesion Properties of Insert Injection Molding Composites: Effect of Inserted Parts, Adhesive Lengths and Injection Conditions

Short Retraction Notice The paper does not meet the standards of "Open Journal of Composite Materials". This article has been retracted to straighten the academic record. In making this decision the Editorial Board follows COPE's Retraction Guidelines. The aim is to promote the circulation of scientific research by offering an ideal research publication platform with due consideration of internationally accepted standards on publication ethics. The Editorial Board would like to extend its sincere apologies for any inconvenience this retraction may have caused. Editor guiding this retraction: Prof. Chengye Fan (EiC of OJCM) The full retraction notice in PDF is preceding the original paper, which is marked "Withdraw".

The effect of carbon nanotubes and polypropylene fibers on bond of reinforcing bars in strain resilient cementitious composites

Stress transfer between reinforcing bars and concrete is engaged through rib translation relative to concrete, and comprises longitudinal bond stresses and radial pressure. The radial pressure is equilibrated by hoop tension undertaken by the concrete cover. Owing to concrete＇s poor tensile properties in terms of strength and deformability, the equilibrium is instantly released upon radial cracking of the cover along the anchorage with commensurate abrupt loss of the bond strength. Any improvement of the matrix tensile properties is expected to favorably affect bond in terms of strength, resilience to pullout slip, residual resistance and controlled slippage.The aim of this paper is to investigate the local bond of steel bars developed in adverse tensile stress conditions in the concrete cover. In the tests, the matrix comprises a novel, strain resilient cementitious composite （SRCC） reinforced with polypropylene fibers （PP） with the synergistic action of carbon nano-tubes （CNT）. Local bond is developed over a short anchorage length occurring in the constant moment region of a four-point bending short beam. Parameters of investigation were the material structure （comprising a basic control mix, reinforced with CNTs and/or PP fibers） and the age of testing. Accompanying tests used to characterize the cementitious material were also conducted. The test results illustrate that all the benefits gained due to the synergy between PP fibers and CNTs in the matrix, namely the maintenance of the multi-cracking effect with time, the increased strength and deformability as well as the highly increased material toughness, were imparted in the recorded bond response. The local bond response curves thus obtained were marked by a resilient appearance exhibiting sustained strength up to large levels of controlled bar-slip; the elasto-plastic bond response envelope was a result of the confining synergistic effect of CNTs and the PP fibers, and it occurred even without bar yielding.

聚丙烯/玻璃纤维复合泡沫的制备及隔声隔热性能

以二缩三丙二醇二丙烯酸酯(TPGDA)和苯乙烯(St)为单体,过氧化二异丙苯(DCP)为引发剂,玻璃纤维(GF)为填料,通过熔融共混法和模压发泡法制备了聚丙烯(PP)/GF复合泡沫,利用PP分子上熔融接枝形成的TPGDA-St共聚物长链支化结构作为相容剂,促进GF在PP基体中的分散,通过GF与TPGDA-St共聚物长链支化结构的协同作用,有效改善PP熔体和复合泡沫的性能。研究了支化结构相容剂和填料用量对PP熔体强度、热稳定性、结晶性能以及复合泡沫微观形貌、隔热性能、声学性能、力学性能的影响。结果表明,TPGDA-St共聚物长链支化结构相容剂能够有效促进GF在PP基体中的分散,强化界面相互作用,形成较为完善的填料网络,显著提升了PP的熔体强度、发泡性能和结晶性能。当GF用量为10份时,PP/GF复合泡沫的泡孔均匀、形状规则、压缩性能良好,具备优异的隔声性能和隔热性能,平均声音传输损耗达到59.7 dB,相较于纯PP泡沫提高了84.8%,导热系数低至0.055 W/(m·K),相较于纯PP泡沫降低了65.6%。

聚丙烯纤维磷石膏胶结体早期力学强度特性及增韧机理研究

在传统水泥基复合材料的研究领域,纤维增强了材料的强度、韧性、延展性和抗裂性。为了提高磷石膏胶结体的早期强度,掺入聚丙烯纤维作为增强剂,开展了掺纤维磷石膏胶结体制备试验以及单轴抗压强度试验,分析了纤维对磷石膏胶结体破坏规律的影响,并通过SEM探究了纤维对磷石膏胶结体的增韧机理。研究结果表明:随纤维掺量增加磷石膏胶结体单轴抗压强度呈先增加后降低的趋势,且纤维最优掺量为1%;掺入纤维的磷石膏胶结体能延缓峰值抗压强度达到时间且破坏时的峰值应力更大,未掺入纤维的磷石膏胶结体在荷载超过应力峰值后快速失稳,掺入聚丙烯纤维的磷石膏胶结体则呈缓慢降低趋势;随着纤维的掺入,磷石膏胶结体的裂纹数量逐渐减少,且裂而不断,磷石膏胶结体的延性变形明显;微观下聚丙烯纤维表面附着有絮团状水化产物,且在磷石膏胶结体固结过程中相互缠结形成稳定的网状结构。研究成果可为磷石膏基复合材料在固废胶结充填现场的应用提供一定参考。

基于改性PP成型的工控机电路板支撑架注射模设计

针对工控机电路板支撑架大型塑件的成型,选用了一种玻纤改性增强聚丙烯(PP)复合材料用于塑件的注射成型。模具结构为三板模结构,分3次开模打开。为保证塑件模腔充填均衡性、饱满性而设计了两个点浇口用于模腔的浇注。针对塑件二级子特征较多,特别是异型螺柱深筋位较多的特点,设计了多个局部镶件用于这些局部特征的成型,在提高局部成型镶件强度的同时,降低了这些成型件的加工难度。针对模腔局部位置排气难点,设置了多个透气镶件以增强排气。设置了锁扣机构、定距拉杆机构用于模具的开模闭模控制;设计了弹料机构用于流道废料的可靠脱模、定位机构以确保塑件的成型精度和模具工作寿命;3个滑块机构用于塑件侧壁直壁及直壁上侧孔的成型与脱模。模具结构形式合理,成型件便于加工且实用可靠,能为同类模具设计提供有益借鉴。

Effect of Wood Variables on the Properties of Wood Fiber-Polypropylene Composites

The effect of wood species (Chinese fir and Poplar), wood fiber content (10%, 25%, 40%) and wood fiber sizes (16 to 32 mesh, 32-65 mesh, above 65 mesh) on the properties of the wood fiber-Polypropylene composites were studied in this paper. The results indicate that the effect of wood fiber content and size in composite were more important than that of chosen wood species. Compared with polypropylene without wood fiber, the flexural strength of the composites increased when adding wood fiber into polypr...

纤维含量对汽车内饰用夹层结构植物纤维增强PP复合材料性能的影响

分别以竹纤维(BF)/聚丙烯(PP)复合板、麻纤维(JF)/PP复合板为表层,聚氨酯(PUR)泡沫为芯层,经热压成型制备夹层结构植物纤维/PP复合材料,通过万能力学试验机、导热系数测定仪和驻波管吸声系数测试系统对不同纤维质量分数的夹层结构复合材料进行性能测试及表征。结果表明,PUR夹层结构BF/PP复合材料的力学性能与PUR夹层结构JF/PP复合材料接近,其导热系数≤0.044 W/(m·K),吸声性能良好,燃烧速度≤20.28 mm/min,满足主机厂对汽车内饰构件用材料的要求,且当植物纤维质量分数为40%时,PUR夹层结构植物纤维/PP复合材料的综合性能最佳。

竹纤维粒径与比例对石竹塑复合材料的性能影响

【目的】阐明不同竹纤维粒径和原料配比对竹纤维/聚丙烯/碳酸钙复合材料物理力学性能的影响机理,为石竹塑复合材料的工业化生产与应用提供依据。【方法】以碳酸钙、竹纤维和聚丙烯为原料,在控制竹纤维粒径(40目、80目和120目)与原料配比的基础上,制备竹纤维/聚丙烯/碳酸钙复合材料,考察其物理力学性能,并采用扫描电子显微镜、热重分析仪和熔融指数仪对复合材料的微观结构、热稳定性和流动性进行表征。最后,综合考虑生产成本与相关性能要求,为竹纤维/聚丙烯/碳酸钙复合材料的生产与应用提出建议。【结果】随着碳酸钙添加量的增加,复合材料的拉伸强度、弯曲强度和弹性模量均逐渐下降,而密度则呈上升趋势。竹纤维粒径对复合材料物理力学性能的影响较为显著。当竹纤维粒径为80目,碳酸钙和竹纤维添加量分别为5%和45%时,复合材料的拉伸强度、弯曲强度和弹性模量最优,分别为36.09 MPa、62.6 MPa和4.30 GPa。碳酸钙添加量对复合材料冲击强度的影响不大。此外,随着碳酸钙添加量的增加,复合材料的热稳定性与熔体流动性均有所改善。当碳酸钙添加质量占比为20%时,复合材料的熔体流动速率为16.50 g/10 min,比未添加组提高了8.98%,加工性能得到改善。【结论】选用80目竹纤维的复合材料具有较优的物理力学性能,在添加碳酸钙后,复合材料的原料成本可降低1.63%~6.54%,且其相关指标仍远高于行业标准要求。