Morphology/behavior relationship and recyclability of composites based on PP/EPDM blends and short aramid fibers

Abstract

AbstractThe effect of short aramid fibers on the mechanical behavior of polypropylene (PP) and ethylene‐propylene‐diene (EPDM) and their blends has been investigated by means of an experimental design. The results have shown that aramid fibers are very effective reinforcing agents for composites when the continuous phase of the matrix is constituted by PP, so sensible increments in tensile modulus and strength are obtained as fiber content in the composites increases. An optimal matrix composition and fiber content has been observed that produced high abrasion resistance compounds. However, the abrasion resistance of very rich EPDM matrices is hardly affected by fibers content. The addition of fibers to EPDM rich (>50%) matrices gives rise to a sensible decrease of the impact strength of this polymer. However, at PP contents above 50% in the polymer matrix, an increase of impact strength is observed at fiber percentages in the composites above 10%. The different behavior of the fibers depending on matrix type can be attributed to a better affinity of these fibers for PP matrix. Morphological studies of the composites have been carried out by scanning electron microscopy. Finally, the price and recyclability of these materials have been analyzed. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 83: 2474–2484, 2002