Abstract
In this research, polylactide was hybrid-reinforced and heat-treated in order to obtain durable structural materials with the use of eco-friendly components. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis, tensile tests at various temperatures, Vicat tests, impact tests, and microscopic observations were conducted on the annealed and non-heat-treated specimens. The theoretical and true density, as well as water absorption, were also determined. The simultaneous introduction of chopped carbon and basalt fibers in equal mass fractions of 7.5% and 12.5% resulted in satisfactory increases in stiffness and tensile strength. The reinforcing effect was more efficient for the heat-treated composites, especially at elevated temperatures. Heat treatment significantly increased the degree of crystallinity of the matrix, improving heat resistance and reducing water absorption. It also reduced the stress concentrations in the injection-molded specimens.
Highlights
Numerous publications have been devoted to polymer materials based on polylactide (PLA).in those publications, attention was mainly focused on the biomedical applications of this material or on the aspect of its biodegradability
This study focuses on the assessment of the applicability of PLA as a matrix of hybrid composites intended for the production of rigid and durable technical injection-molded parts
Basalt fiber is obtained in a process similar to the glass fiber production, but its manufacture does not require the incorporation of components that are harmful to health and the environment, such as boron and fluorine oxides, which are present in the majority of E-type glass fibers [4,5]
Summary
Numerous publications have been devoted to polymer materials based on polylactide (PLA) In those publications, attention was mainly focused on the biomedical applications of this material or on the aspect of its biodegradability. This study focuses on the assessment of the applicability of PLA as a matrix of hybrid composites intended for the production of rigid and durable technical injection-molded parts. At this point, it should be added that so far, reports on hybrid composites with carbon and basalt fibers have appeared in only a few publications, and concerned laminates with a thermoset matrix [1,2,3]. It is characterized by Materials 2019, 12, 95; doi:10.3390/ma12010095 www.mdpi.com/journal/materials
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