Shear strength of the lyocell fiber/polymer matrix interface evaluated with the microbond technique

Abstract

An experimental investigation into the adhesion of regenerated cellulose fiber lyocell, natural cellulose fiber ramie, and E-glass fiber to the polypropylene (PP) and epoxy matrices, by means of the microbond technique, was conducted. Force–displacement plots indicate a brittle failure of the interface, followed by high frictional forces in the PP matrix and low frictional forces in the epoxy matrix. The interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of lyocell–epoxy system was significantly higher than that measured in the lyocell–PP system. Chemical modification of lyocell fiber with maleic anhydride resulted in a two-fold increase in IFSS with PP. Ramie exhibits better adhesion characteristics, due mainly to the rough surface, than lyocell.