Improvement of mechanical properties of structural thermoplastic composites using a reactive (low molecular weight) matrix component

Abstract

An innovative manufacturing process for continuous fiber composites with the polymeric matrix made up of polypropylene and epoxy resin, as a model reactive low molecular weight component, was developed; variable process parameters give rise to different morphologies of matrix components surrounding the woven fabric reinforcement. Furthermore, the combination of both thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers permitted intimate fibers impregnation, typical of thermosetting matrix composites, with short process cycle time, which usually occurs in manufacturing process of thermoplastic matrix composites. Polypropylene (PP) films, glass fibers fabric, and epoxy resin film were used to produce flat composite through film‐stacking technique. The preparation process focused on control of both epoxy resin cure process and polypropylene melting. The process was able to induce the two matrix components to form either a planar (sandwich‐like) structure or a three‐dimensional (3D) network by means of controlling the process parameters such as pressure and heating rate. The strong enhancement of the mechanical properties (Young's modulus and tensile strength of the composites with the 3D structure were almost twice as high of those of the composites with sandwich‐like matrix structure) was due to the different microstructures produced by the interplanar flow of the thermoplastic polymer. POLYM. COMPOS., 31:1762–1769, 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers.

Self‐healing in high impact polystyrene (HIPS) composites via embedded non‐toxic solvent‐filled microcapsules

“…While thermoplastic composites show tremendous promise for recyclability at the end of their useful life, 24 they show relatively poor mechanical strength and dimensional stability compared to crosslinked polymer composites, metals, and ceramics leading to shorter useful lifetimes 25,26 . Although researchers have made various attempts to improve their mechanical strength by, for example, adding reinforcing fibers, very few studies have investigated the incorporation of self‐healing properties to thermoplastic polymer composites to extend material lifespan and durability 27–30 …”