Direct Fluorination of Twaron Fiber and Preparation of PP/Twaron Fiber Composites Using MA-g-PP as a Compatibilizer

Abstract

Chemical treatment of synthetic reinforcements can enhance their adhesion to polymer matrices. This work reports the effects of different treatments on the fiber—matrix compatibility in terms of surface energy, mechanical, and thermal properties of composites. The PP composites containing 0.625—1.25 wt% of Twaron fibers (non-fluorinated and fluorinated fiber) were prepared by solution casting process. The treatment effects on the fibers and matrix have been characterized by infrared spectroscopy. The tensile properties of the untreated and treated composites were determined as a function of fiber loading. Tensile strength and Young's modulus increased with employment of the compatibilizers due to the better adhesion between the fiber and the matrix. The maximum improvement in the mechanical properties was obtained for the fluorine-treated fiber composites. The interfacial interactions improved the fiber compatibility, mechanical properties of composites. Morphological studies demonstrated that better adhesion between the fiber and the matrix was achieved especially for the fluorine-treated composites containing PP-g-MA as compatibilizers. The dynamic contact angle techniques have been used to determine the surface energy values.