Improving Mechanical Properties of Thermoset Biocomposites by Fiber Coating or Organic Oil Addition

Abstract

Two different thermoset biocomposite systems are experimented in this study with the hope to improve their mechanical properties. Fiberglass and hemp, in form of fabrics, are used to reinforce the thermoset polymer matrix, which includes a traditional epoxy resin and a linseed oil-based bioresin (UVL). The fiber/polymer matrix interface is modified using two different approaches: adding a plant-based oil (pine or linseed) to the polymer matrix or coating the fibers with 3-(aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) prior to integrating them into the polymer matrix. Epoxy resin is cured using an amine-based initiator, whereas UVL resin is cured under ultraviolet light. Results show that hemp fibers with APTES prime coat used in either epoxy or UVL matrix exhibit some potential improvements in the composite’s mechanical properties including tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, and ductility. It is also found that adding oil to the epoxy matrix reinforced with fiberglass mostly improves the material’s modulus of elasticity while maintaining its tensile strength and ductility. However, adding oil to the epoxy matrix reinforced with hemp doubles the material’s ductility while slightly reducing its tensile strength and modulus of elasticity.

Influence of epoxidized linseed oil and sisal fibers on structure–property relationship of epoxy biocomposite

“…The tensile properties of unmodified epoxy composite and bio‐resin modified epoxy composites are summarized in Table . The addition of organic oil in to the epoxy matrix has been found earlier to reduce the viscosity of the resin formulation, and also, enhances the interfacial interaction between the fibers and matrix resulting in higher tensile strength and modulus . A similar behavior has been observed in the current findings.…”

“…Many researchers have focused attention on the development of petroleum‐based thermoset composite reinforced with sisal fibers (SFs) primarily to target the automotive and structural applications because of low density and specific properties of later . Although various attempts in making plant oil‐based green composites reinforced with natural fibers have been reported in the last decade, the use of SFs in development of the vegetable oil‐based green composites is limited .…”

Micromechanical Characterization of Complex Polypropylene Morphologies by HarmoniX AFM

“…The accurate characterization of mechanical properties of nanoheterogeneous materials, such as nanocomposites, biological cells, and multiphase polymers at the nanometric length scale, is a very important task [1,2]. In the last decade, several methods based on the probe-indentation techniques have been proposed.…”

Influence of Surface Modification on the Microstructure and Thermo-Mechanical Properties of Bamboo Fibers

“…Compared to traditional inorganic fibers such as glass and carbon, the major disadvantages of natural fibers are their high moisture absorption and weak interfacial bonding to the thermoplastic matrix [ 10 , 11 ] and that is the reason that these fibers have not completely replaced conventional fiber materials in high-load applications. Recently, Ngo et al performed an in-depth study on the compostability and mechanical properties of thermoset composites reinforced with natural fibers [ 12 , 13 , 14 ]. The results show that an addition of a tertiary oil phase can increase the material ductility and leads to the better adhesion between the fibers and the polymer matrix.…”