Effects of different modifiers on the properties of wood-polymer composites

Wood-polymer composites (WPC) were prepared from wood fiber and four kinds of plastics such as PE, PS, ABS, and SAN. The effects of different modifiers on the mechanical properties of the composites were studied. The results showed modifiers could raise the bonding strength of wood fiber with polymer and improve the mechanical properties of the composites. Different modifiers had different effects on the properties of wood-polymer composites, and comparatively the modifier of isocyanate produced a better result. Wood-polymer composite takes not only the advantages of both wood fiber and polymer, but waterproof, dimensional stability and dynamic strength are also significantly improved. Key word Wood fiber - Thermoplastic polyester - Wood-polymer composites - Modifier - Mechanical properties CLC number TB332 Document code A Foundation item: This study was supported by the Harbin Technology Tackle Key Plan (Development Research of Wood-Polymer Composites with High Wood Matrix) and by Heilongjing Nature Science Fund (Composite Mechanism Study of the Wood Polymer).Biography: XU Min (1963-), Female, Associate professor in Material Science and Engineering College, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, P. R. China.Responsible editor: Chai Ruihai

Influence of Mass Ratio of Resin and Stabilizer on Mechanical Properties of Mo Fiber-reinforced Granite Polymer Composite

Because inferior mechanical strength of granite polymer composite(GPC)has become the main drawback limiting its application and popularization,Mo fibers were added into(GPC)to improve its mechanical strength.Mechanical properties of matrix materials with different mass ratio of resin and stabilizer(MRRS)were investigated systematically.The influences of MRRS on interface bonding strength of Mo fiber-matrix,wettability and mechanical strength of GPC were discussed,respectively,and the theoretical calculation result of MRRS k was obtained,with the optimal value of k=4.When k=4,tensile strength,tensile strain and fracture stress of the cured resin achieve the maximum values.But for k=7,the corresponding values reach the minimum.With the increase of MRRS k,surface free energy of the cured resin first increases and then decreases,while contact angles between Mo sample and matrix have displayed the opposite trend.Wettability of resin to Mo fiber is the best at k=4.Pulling load of Mo fiber and interface bonding strength appear the maximum at k=4,followed by k=5,k=3 the third,and k=7 the minimum.When k=4,mechanical properties of Mo fiber-reinforced GPC are optimal,which is consistent with the result of theoretical calculation.This study is of great significance to get better component formulas of Mo fiber reinforced GPC and to improve its application in machine tools.

Microstructure of Steel Fiber Reinforced Polymer-cement-based Composites

Mercury intrusion porosimetry was used to measure the pore structure of steel fiber reinforced polymer-cement-based composite. The results indicate that the large pore volume decreases by 57. 8% - 51.2% and by 87. 1% - 88% with the addition of steel fibers and polymers respectively. When both steel fibers and polymers are simultaneously added, the large pore volume decreases by 88.3% - 90.1% . As a surface active material , polymer has a favorable water-reduced and forming-film effect, which is contributed to the decrease of the thickness of water film and the improvement of the conglutination between the fibers and the matrix. Polymers could form a microstructure network. This network structure and the bone structure of cement hydration products penetrate each other and thus the interpenetrating network with sticky aggregate and steel fiber inside forms.

Wear and transfer characteristics of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites under water lubrication

The tribological characteristics of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites under distilled-water-lubricated-sliding and dry-sliding against stainless steel were comparatively investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was utilized to examine composite microstructures and modes of failure. The typical chemical states of elements of the transfer film on the stainless steel were examined with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Wear testing and SEM analysis show that all the composites hold the lowered friction coefficient and show much better wear resistance under water lubricated sliding against stainless steel than those under dry sliding. The wear of composites is characterized by plastic deformation, scuffing, micro cracking, and spalling under both dry-sliding and water lubricated conditions. Plastic deformation, scuffing, micro cracking, and spalling, however, are significantly abated under water-lubricated condition. XPS analysis conforms that none of the materials produces transfer films on the stainless steel counterface with the type familiar from dry sliding, and the transfer of composites onto the counterpart ring surface is significantly hindered while the oxidation of the stainless steel is speeded under water lubrication. The composites hinder transfer onto the steel surface and the boundary lubricating action of water accounts for the much smaller wear rate under water lubrication compared with that under dry sliding. The easier transfer of the composite onto the counterpart steel surface accounts for the larger wear rate of the polymer composite under dry sliding.

Natural fiber reinforced polymer composites: history, types, advantages and applications

Nowadays, the use of natural fiber reinforced polymer-based composites is gradually increasing day by day for their many advantages for civil engineering construction applications. Due to their many advantages for polymer-based composite materials are widely used in civil construction, automobiles, aerospace, and many others. Natural fibers such as jute, kenaf, pineapple, sugarcane, hemp, oil palm, flax, and leaf, etc. are cheap, environmentally friendly, renewable, completely and partially biodegradable which can be utilized to obtain new high-performance polymer materials. These composites are having satisfactory mechanical properties (i.e. tensile properties, flexural stress-strain behavior, fracture toughness, and fracture strength) which make them more attractive than other composites. Due to easy availability and renewability, natural fibers can be used as an alternative of synthetic fibers as a reinforcing agent. The aim of this paper is to review different natural fibers reinforced based polymer composites with mechanical characterization, applications, also shows the opportunities, challenges and future demand of natural composite material towards civil applications.

A brief review on natural fiber used as a replacement of synthetic fiber in polymer composites

The use of composites in different sectors has become inevitable due to the enhancement in properties, reduction in the manufacturing cost and suitability to several applications. Among different classifications, polymeric composites are mainly focused on their use as structural components and the selection and composition of reinforcement play a vital role in determining the characteristics of the composite. Although composites are developed with man-made reinforcement in the beginning stage, in the present situation, natural reinforcements have proved excellent results in terms of properties. Hence, nowadays researches are mainly focused on the use of different natural fibers in different forms as reinforcements in polymeric composite. This work presents a brief overview on the properties of natural fiber and natural fiber reinforced composites which is an emerging area in polymer science. Interests in natural fiber is reasonable due to the advantages of these materials compared to others, such as synthetic fiber composites, including low environmental impact and low cost and support their potential to be used. Moreover, the disadvantage of the synthetic and fiber-glass as reinforcement, the use of natural fiber reinforced composite gained the attention of the young scientists, researchers, and engineers and are being exploited as a replacement for the conventional fiber such as glass, aramid, carbon etc. Natural fibers have been proven alternative to synthetic fiber in transportation such as automobiles, railway coaches and aerospace, military, building, packaging, consumer products and construction industries for ceiling paneling, partition boards etc. However, in development of these composites, some drawbacks have also emerged. In this paper, it has been tried to overview all of this together.

Rheological and mechanical properties of wood fiber-PP/PE blend composites

For evaluation of the rheological and mechanical properties of highly filled wood plastic composites （WPCs）, polypropylene/polyethylene （PP/PE） blends were grafted with maleic anhydride （MAH） to enhance the interfacial adhesion between wood fiber and matrix. WPCs were prepared from wood fiber up to 60 wt.% and modified PP/PE was blended by extrusion. The rheological properties were studied by using dynamic measurement. According to the strain sweep test, the linear viscoelastic region of composites in the melt was determined. The result showed that the storage modulus was independent of the strain at low strain region （〈0.1%）. The frequency sweep resuits indicated that all composites exhibited shear thinning behavior, and both the storage modulus and complex viscosity of MAH modified composites were decreased comparing to those unmodified. Flexural properties and impact strength of the prepared WPCs were measured according to the relevant standard specifications. The flexural and impact strength of the manufactured composites significantly increased and reached a maximum when MAH dosage was 1.0 wt%, whereas the flexural modulus after an initial decreased, also increased with MAH dosage. The increase in mechanical properties indicated that the presence of anhydride groups enhanced the interracial adhesion between wood fiber and PP/PE blends.

THE EFFECT OF POLYMER IN STEEL FIBER REINFORCED CEMENT COMPOSITES

Three kinds of polymers, polymethyl acrylate emulsion (POLYVINYLformal solution (PV- FO), styrene acrylate copolymer emulsion (SA)are chosen To study the effect of polymer in steel fiber rein forcedce- Ment composites (SFRCC). The experimental results show That thebonding properties in SFRCC are remarkably im- Proved after theaddition of three kinds of polymer.

Fabrication and Characterization of Glass Fiber with SiC Reinforced Polymer Composites

Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymeric (GFRP) Composites are most commonly used as bumpers for vehicles, electrical equipment panels, and medical devices enclosures. These materials are also widely used for structural applications in aerospace, automotive, and in providing alternatives to traditional metallic materials. The paper fabricated epoxy and polyester resin composites by using silicon carbide in various proportions along with GFRP. The hand lay-up technique was used to fabricate the laminates. To determine the properties of fabricated composites, the tensile, impact, and flexural tests were conducted. This method of fabrication was very simple and cost-effective. Their mechanical properties like yield strength, yield strain, Young’s modulus, flexural modulus, and impact energy were investigated. The mechanical properties of the GFRP composites were also compared with the fiber volume fraction. The fiber volume fraction plays a major role in the mechanical properties of GFRP composites. Young’s modulus and tensile strength of fabricated composites were modelled and compared with measured values. The results show that composites with epoxy resin demonstrate higher strength and modulus compared to composites with polyester resin.

Evaluation of Sawdust and Rice Husks as Fillers for Phenolic Resin Based Wood-Polymer Composites

We produced Wood-Polymer Composites (WPCs) with phenolic resin (PR) filled with saw dust (SD) and rice husks (RH) in a PR:fillerratio of 60:40 wt.%. RH and SD were grinded and sieved into particles μm. The aim of this research work was to evaluate sawdust and rice husks as fillers for sustainable phenolic resin based WPCs. Therefore, we investigated the thermal stability of PR/RH and PR/SD WPCs then we studied and compared the tensile, flexural properties of PR/SD and PR/RH WPCs samples, as well as their dimensional stability after water absorption test. Furthermore, through ultraviolet light exposure, we evaluated the effects of photo-oxidation on the water stability and mechanical properties of PR/RH and PR/SD WPCs samples compared to unexposed ones. PR filled with SD presented better mechanical properties compared to PR/RH WPCs samples. However, PR/RH WPCs showed good mechanical properties, and better thermal resistance and better water repulsion capabilities compared to PR/SD WPCs samples. Although, long time UV exposure ended up lowering considerably the mechanical properties and water resistance of PR/SD and PR/RH WPCs, both RH and SD offer great added value as fillers for PR based WPCs;SD having better interactions with PR matrix compared to RH.

Progress in the application of polymer fibers in solid electrolytes for lithium metal batteries

Solid state lithium metal batteries(SSLMBs)are considered to be one of the most promising battery systems for achieving high energy density and excellent safety for energy storage in the future.However,current existed solid-state electrolytes(SSEs)are still difficult to meet the practical application requirements of SSLMBs.In this review,based on the analysis of main problems and challenges faced by the development of SSEs,the ingenious application and latest progresses including specific suggestions of various polymer fibers and their membrane products in solving these issues are emphatically reviewed.Firstly,the inherent defects of inorganic and organic electrolytes are pointed out.Then,the application strategies of polymer fibers/fiber membranes in strengthening strength,reducing thickness,enhancing thermal stability,increasing the film formability,improving ion conductivity and optimizing interface stability are discussed in detail from two aspects of improving physical structure properties and electrochemical performances.Finally,the researches and development trends of the intelligent applications of high-performance polymer fibers in SSEs is prospected.This review intends to provide timely and important guidance for the design and development of polymer fiber composite SSEs for SSLMBs.

A review on machinability of carbon fiber reinforced polymer(CFRP)and glass fiber reinforced polymer(GFRP)composite materials

Fiber reinforced polymer(FRP) composite materials are heterogeneous and anisotropic materials that do not exhibit plastic deformation. They have been used in a wide range of contemporary applications particularly in space and aviation,automotive,maritime and manufacturing of sports equipment. Carbon fiber reinforced polymer(CFRP) and glass fiber reinforced polymer(GFRP) composite materials,among other fiber reinforced materials,have been increasingly replacing conventional materials with their excellent strength and low specific weight properties. Their manufacturability in varying combinations with customized strength properties,also their high fatigue,toughness and high temperature wear and oxidation resistance capabilities render these materials an excellent choice in engineering applications.In the present review study,a literature survey was conducted on the machinability properties and related approaches for CFRP and GFRP composite materials. As in the machining of all anisotropic and heterogeneous materials,failure mechanisms were also reported in the machining of CFRP and GFRP materials with both conventional and modern manufacturing methods and the results of these studies were obtained by use of variance analysis(ANOVA),artificial neural networks(ANN) model,fuzzy inference system(FIS),harmony search(HS) algorithm,genetic algorithm(GA),Taguchi's optimization technique,multi-criteria optimization,analytical modeling,stress analysis,finite elements method(FEM),data analysis,and linear regression technique. Failure mechanisms and surface quality is discussed with the help of optical and scanning electron microscopy,and profilometry. ANOVA,GA,FEM,etc. are used to analyze and generate predictive models.

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.

A comprehensive review on material selection for polymer matrix composites subjected to impact load

Polymer matrix composites(PMC)are extensively been used in many engineering applications.Various natural fibers have emerged as potential replacements to synthetic fibers as reinforcing materials composites owing to their fairly better mechanical properties,low cost,environment friendliness and biodegradability.Selection of appropriate constituents of composites for a particular application is a tedious task for a designer/engineer.Impact loading has emerged as the serious threat for the composites used in structural or secondary structural application and demands the usage of appropriate fiber and matrix combination to enhance the energy absorption and mitigate the failure.The objective of the present review is to explore the composite with various fiber and matrix combination used for impact applications,identify the gap in the literature and suggest the potential naturally available fiber and matrix combination of composites for future work in the field of impact loading.The novelty of the present study lies in exploring the combination of naturally available fiber and matrix combination which can help in better energy absorption and mitigate the failure when subjected to impact loading.In addition,the application of multi attributes decision making(MADM)tools is demonstrated for selection of fiber and matrix materials which can serve as a benchmark study for the researchers in future.

Properties of paper mill sludge–wood fiber–HDPE composites after exposure to xenon-arc weathering

We used paper mill sludge（PMS） to substitute for part of the wood fibers（WF） used to reinforce high density polyethylene（HDPE）.The resulting composites were subjected to xenon-arc weathering.The composite filled with limited PMS（under 10 %） had mechanical properties and aging resistance similar to those without PMS.The composites containing more PMS faded and cracked more readily than those without PMS.Based on the carbonyl index,crystallinity,and wood index,PMS appeared to accelerate the degradation of composites during weathering.Adding PMS to WF–HDPE composites reduced the weathering resistance,and this reduction was not significant if the PMS content did not exceed 20 % of the wood fibers.Therefore,PMS could be used as a reinforcement in wood-plastic composites at levels less than20 % of the wood fiber content.

The properties of flax fiber reinforced wood flour/high density polyethylene composites

Flax fiber(FF) was used to reinforce wood flour/high density polyethylene composites(WF/PE).WF/PE particles were uniformly mixed with FF via high-speed mixing and then extruded with a single screw extruder to prepare FF reinforced WF/PE composites(FF/WF/PE).Mechanical testing,dynamic mechanical analysis,scanning electron microscopy(SEM),creep measurement and Torque rheology were used to characterize the resulting composites.The results indicate that the mechanical performance of the composites could be remarkably improved by adding a limited amount of FF.The flexural strength and modulus increased by 14.6 and 51.4%,respectively(FF content of 9 wt%),while the unnotched impact strength could be increased by 26.5%(FF content of12 wt%).The creep resistance and toughness of thecomposite was markedly improved without changing the plastic content of the composite material.

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.

Review of Green Polymer Nanocomposites

Recently, attention has been drawn to the use of bio-reinforced composites in automotive, construction, packaging and medical applications due to increased concern for environmental sustainability. Green polymer nanocomposites show unique properties of combining the advantages of natural fillers and organic polymers. Plant fibers are found suitable to reinforce polymers. They have relatively high strength and stiffness, low cost of acquisition, low density and produce low CO2 emission. They are also biodegradable and are annually renewable compared to other fibrous materials. Organic polymers on the other hand, are desirable because they are either recyclable or biodegradable without causing environmental hazards. This paper reviews current research efforts, techniques of production, trends, challenges and prospects in the field of green nanocomposites.

Chemicals Used in Polymeric Material Coated Waste Paper Composites

In this research, at different quantities as fillers, Boric Acid, Calcite (CaCO3), SPT (Sodium Perborate Tetrahydrate) and as coupling matters, 3%, MAPE (Maleic Anhydride Grafted Polyethylene), Titanate and Silanyl (Vinyltriethoxysilane) were added waste paper. Composite boards were pressed and cut in 1 × 30 × 30 cm. In order to identify some properties of the produced boards, experimental works were applied according to the standards. In conclusion, bending stress reduced with filler materials and chemicals was reduced even more than the bending stress except for some experimental groups. In addition, it was observed that the coupling chemicals increased the bending strength and modulus of elasticity compared to the fillers.

Application of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite (GFRPC) Escape Pipeline in Tunnel

During the tunnel construction process,unfavorable geological conditionsare often encountered.Geological disasters such as collapse,roof fall,water inrush,gas explosion,etc.occur frequently,causing different degrees of property damage and casualties to the construction of the tunnel,seriously affecting harmony during construction.The domestic emergency hedging is mainly the use of 8-10mm steel coils,but the steel is heavy and not suitable for the frequent movement of tunnels.This paper introduces the new Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite(GFRPC)escape pipeline used in Chongqing Jiuyongyi Jinyunshan Tunnel,and compares the traditional steel coil parameters to provide reference for subsequent tunnel hedging measures.