An Investigation of the Effect of Processing Conditions on the Interface of Flax/Polypropylene Composites

Abstract

In recent years there has been an increasing interest in using natural fibres as potential reinforcements for polymers. It is well known that the properties of composite materials are controlled by the properties of the matrix and the fibre, as well as of the interface. The most usual methods of strengthening the interface involve the application of surface modification methods on the fibres, or the application of compatibilisers in the matrix. However, it may be possible that one may achieve similar results just by simply controlling the processing conditions, and thus avoiding the application of chemicals that tend to increase the cost. In the present study the effect of cooling rates upon the interface in flax fibre/iPP composites was investigated by means of fragmentation tests. It was found that slower cooling leads to a stronger interface for two different grades of flax fibres; dew retted and green flax.

Deformation micromechanics of model regenerated cellulose fibre-epoxy/polyester composites

“…Fibre composite properties, particularly the efficiency of stress transfer between the matrix and fibres, depends largely on the state of the interface between these two materials [1]. The interfacial properties of many model composite systems have been investigated, including in recent times flax [2][3][4], hemp [5], jute [6], ramie [7] and many others, although largely with thermoplastic resin systems. The techniques that have generally been employed to measure interfacial properties have been fragmentation and pull-out testing, the results of which have recently been extensively reviewed [8].…”

Characterisation of fibre–polymer interactions and transcrystallinity in short keratin fibre–polypropylene composites

“…Agricultural fibres, such as cellulose and protein fibres, provide an environmentally friendly reinforcement option for commodity thermoplastic materials such as polyethylene (PE) 1,2 and polypropylene (PP) [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] and are a pathway to obtain materials from sustainable resources. Agricultural fibres typically are of lower density than inorganic reinforcements such as talc, glass or calcium carbonate.…”

Environmental sustainability and financial feasibility evaluation of woodfuel biomass used for a potential replacement of conventional space heating sources. Part I: a Greek case study

“…Recently it was recorded that recovered woody biomass and residues from logging operations should be considered important supply sources (European Environment Agency 2006). Aside from the above biofuel applications, recently, there is an increased interest for using wood fibres and cellulose fibres as reinforcing agents to manufacture 'green' composite materials (Tserki et al 2006;Zafeiropoulos et al 2000Zafeiropoulos et al , 2001aZafeiropoulos et al ,b, 2003Tserki et al 2005;Zafeiropoulos 2002Zafeiropoulos , 2007.…”