Reinforced Thermoplastic Research Articles

Mechanical Properties of a Water Hyacinth Nanofiber Cellulose Reinforced Thermoplastic Starch Bionanocomposite: Effect of Ultrasonic Vibration during Processing

Thermoplastic starch (TPS) reinforced by 1 wt % nanofiber cellulose (NFC) reinforcing from water hyacinth was produced. Ultrasonic vibration time (UVT) was applied to bionanocomposites during gelation for 0, 15, 30 and 60 min. Morphology of the NFC was investigated using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and tensile tests were performed to identify the fracture surface and determine the mechanical properties of the bionanocomposites, respectively. The Crystallinity index (CI) of untreated and treated bionanocomposites was measured using X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The average diameter of NFC water hyacinth was 10–20 nm. The maximum tensile strength (TS) and modulus elasticity (ME) of the bionanocomposite was 11.4 MPa and 443 MPa respectively, after 60 min UVT. This result was supported by SEM which indicated good dispersion and compact structure.

Eutectic liquid crystal polymer blends for self and thermoplastic reinforcement

We studied the eutectic behaviour in binary miscible blends of a rigid and two semi-flexible Liquid Crystal Polymers (LCP) model systems for self and thermoplastic reinforcement. At the eutectic point of the studied LCP-LCP blends, the systems showed suppressed crystal-nematic temperatures and wider nematic range with lower process temperature than the single LCP components. This approach broadens the application of LCPs as high-performance polymers, as well as in reinforcement of engineering plastics. The eutectic points of LCP blends could be a blueprint for development of varieties of multi-component LCP materials.

Effects of Fiber Size and Fiber Content on Mechanical and Physical Properties of Mengkuang Reinforced Thermoplastic Natural Rubber Composites

Thermoplastic mengkuang composites are an alternative material to solve environmental pollution issues associated with synthetic polymers. Mengkuang, or Pandanus atrocarpus, raw fiber was cut, dried, ground, and sieved to the required size. The fiber was filled into the matrix of natural rubber (NR) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) by melt blending via internal mixer. The blend of HDPE/NR at 60/40 ratio with fiber sizes of 125 µm, 250 µm, and 500 µm were prepared at fiber contents of 10%, 20%, and 30%. The effects of fiber size and fiber content on the thermoplastic composite were investigated using tensile test, impact test, water absorption, and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The maximum tensile strength and tensile modulus were obtained at 20% fiber content of 250 µm fiber size. Impact strength gradually decreased with the increased percentage of fiber content at fiber size, 125 µm and 250 µm. The highest tensile strain at break and lowest water absorption was observed at 10% fiber content for all sizes being studied. The effects of fiber size on water absorption, and percentage of fiber content on impact strength and tensile strain at break were statistically significant (p < 0.05).

Mechanical Properties of a Quasi-isotropic Continuous Carbon Fibre Reinforced Thermoplastic Laminates fabricated by a 3D printer

Mechanical Properties of a Quasi-isotropic Continuous Carbon Fibre Reinforced Thermoplastic Laminates fabricated by a 3D printer

Through-Process Modelling for Accurate Prediction of Long Term Anisotropic Mechanics in Fibre Reinforced Thermoplastics.

Fibre reinforced thermoplastic (FRTP) materials offer great potential for, among others, weight and cost reduction in a wide range of applications. In this paper, consequences of fiber orientation-induced anisotropy (due to injection molding process) in the development of FRTP parts as well as predictive engineering techniques for part performance evaluation are discussed. A coupled simulation methodology will be used to predict the processing-microstructure-properties relation in FRTP parts, thereby enabling the ability to include fiber orientation-induced anisotropy. In parallel, long term fatigue data was collected on increasingly complex geometries for the purpose of model validation.

Prediction of Static and Dynamic Mechanical Properties of GFRTP Product through Injection Molding

This paper aims at evaluating the prediction accuracy of macroscopic static and dynamic mechanical properties, including damping properties, of glass fiber reinforced thermo plastics (GFRTP) obtained via computer simulations. The prediction procedure is based on the Eshelby-Mori-Tanaka approach using fiber orientation tensor. The prediction accuracy of mechanical properties depends on the fiber orientation tensor. In this paper, we compare that prediction accuracies obtained using measured fiber orientation tensor and using simulated fiber orientation tensor by resin flow analysis. Additionally, we propose a linearized damping model based on the Eshelby-Mori-Tanaka approach and modal strain energy method to predict damping property, as well as a method for evaluating the contribution of the elastic modulus in order to quantitatively comprehend the anisotropic characteristics of GFRTP.

Torque-Fiber-Winding (TFW)-Procedure: Manufacturing of Textile-Based Unidirectional Prepreg for Raw Material and Material Development of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Thermoplastics

There is the need to determine the process capability of available and novel carbon fibre (CF) roving with minimal material and reproducible procedures in the field of research and development of continuous fibre reinforced composites and structural components, as well as to identify the power delivery in thermoplastic laminate constructions. The innovative TFW procedure with the appropriate system technology allows the production of piece size variable unidirectional (UD) prepreg in a continuous sequential process of spiral winding. A flexible surface design, resulting in the partial fixation of a single highly spread CF roving on fine nonwoven fabric. By defined accumulating of composite components, the fibre volume content (FVC) is adjustable and correspond to the level of spreading and to the grammage of nonwoven fabric. Minimum single layer thickness promote compound homogeneity and thereby allow the generation of greatest possible degrees of freedom in load-oriented structural design of CF-reinforced thermoplastic lightweight products in the laboratory staff.

Influence of Laser Surface Treatment for Process-Integrated Joining of Textile Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites to Metal Sheets

Laser-structured metal surfaces in combination with thermoplastic compression mould processes allow intrinsic hybrid structures with high-strength connections. Suitable process parameters are still to be identified to provide optimised assembly parameters. Therefore, laser structures with different configurations are applied to steel sheets and compressed with textile reinforced thermoplastic composites to manufacture hybrid structures. Laser processing parameters, such as pulse duration or energy as well as laser scanning strategies and therefore structure dimensions are analysed.After manufacturing, specimens are extracted and characterized in single-lap shear tests comparing different configurations to identify boundary conditions for the laser structuring with optimal bonding characteristics.

Effects of Olive Pit and Almond Shell Powder on Polypropylene

The outgrowing ecological and socio-economic awareness, high consumption of petroleum resources and new environmentally strong regulations especially in European countries have prompted researchers to investigate on green materials compatible with the environment. As replacements for conventional synthetic fibers like aramid and glass fibers, natural fibers are increasingly used for reinforcement in thermoplastics due to their low density, good thermal insulation and mechanical properties, reduced tool wear, unlimited availability, low price, and problem-free disposal. The purpose for the addition of cellulose-based fillers to thermoplastics is to reduce the cost per unit volume and to improve stiffness.In the present work I have prepared a series of filled Polypropylene (PP) composites with olive pit and almond shell flour loading (between 0–40 wt %), to study the effect of the filler content on the mechanical and morphological properties of polypropylene polymer composites.

Moisture Absorption and Thickness Swelling Behaviour of Sugar Palm Fibre Reinforced Thermoplastic Polyurethane

Composite materials were made from sugar palm fibre (SPF) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) polymer, by melt compounding method using Haake Polydrive R600 internal mixer and followed by hot-pressing moulding. SPF/TPU composites were prepared with different fibre loading: 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% (by weight) of SPF, with the optimum processing parameters: 190°C, 11 min, and 40 rpm for temperature, time and speed, respectively. Ten replicates were cut from the composite sheet according to ASTM standards. The density, water absorption and thickness swelling of the composites was investigated with water immersion time. The density of hybrid composites increases with increasing of sugar palm fibre. It also was found that the water absorption and thickness swelling increases with fibre content and water immersion time before an equilibrium condition was reached. It was observed that water diffusion occurred in composites, depending on the fibre content. SPF with 50% of fibre content exhibit maximum water absorption and thickness swelling during the whole duration of immersion (168 h).

Integrated Defect Classification in Manufacturing of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Thermoplastic Polymer Matrix Composites

Thermoplastic polymer matrix composites with continuous carbon fibre reinforcements are of crucial relevance in automotive industry. The mix of high performance and cost effective manufacturing makes them attractive for high volume production. However, it could be shown that production integrated end of line quality control is of strong importance to ensure continuous and traceable part quality. Besides, typical non destructive testing method specifications, higher production volumes additionally require short testing times. Herein, the application of active thermography as end of line quality control in composite production is evaluated and compared with results obtained by X-ray radiometry. It could be revealed that transient pulse phase thermography is a powerful tool to analyse part quality of continuous thermoplastic polymer matrix composites in short testing times.

Repair of Flexuously Impact Damaged CFRTP Applying an Inserting Method with Tiny Melted Sheet of PP Resin Modified with Fine Glass Fibers

The purpose of this study is to reveal the effects of the modification of the sheet of Polypropylene (PP) with fine glass fibers for repair of the Carbon Fiber Reinforced Thermo Plastics (CFRTP) on the recover ratio of degraded mechanical properties of damaged CFRTP after impact bending. Impact damaged specimen was repaired by inserting tiny melted sheet of PP modified with fine glass fibers to be assimilated with PP matrix around the surface of damaged area. Model specimens having cut reinforcements were prepared for compressive buckling tests to investigate the effect of the modification on mechanical behaviors under compressive stress due to the impact bending. The recovering ratio defined as the ratio of compressive buckling strength of damaged model specimen to that of un-damaged specimen was investigated. The recovering ratio of model specimen after the repair was about 49% when the unmodified PP sheet was used to repair. On the other hand, when the weight content rate of fine glass fibers was 2.0wt%, about 73% of recovering ratio was successfully obtained. The appropriate condition of the weight content rate was shown for repairing the damaged part of the CFRTP used in this study.

Impact Modification and Fracture Mechanisms of Core–Shell Particle Reinforced Thermoplastic Protein

Mechanical properties and fracture mechanisms of Novatein thermoplastic protein and blends with core–shell particles (CSPs) have been examined. Novatein is brittle with low impact strength and energy‐to‐break. Epoxy‐modified CSPs increase notched and unnotched impact strength, tensile strain‐at‐break, and energy‐to‐break, while tensile strength and modulus decrease as CSP content increases. Tg increases slightly with increasing CSP content attributed to physical crosslinking. Changes to mechanical properties are related to the critical matrix ligament thickness and rate of loading. Novatein control samples display brittle fracture characterized by large‐scale crazing. At high CSP content a large plastic zone and a slow crack propagation zone in unnotched and tensile samples are observed suggesting increased energy absorption. Notched impact samples reach critical craze stresses easily regardless of CSP content reducing impact strength. It is concluded that the impact strength of thermoplastic protein can be modified in a similar manner to traditional thermoplastics. image

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Roundup ShareShare onFacebookTwitterWechatLinked InRedditEmail C&EN, 2016, 94 (10), p 17March 7, 2016Cite this:C&EN 94, 10, 17AbstractWeil Group Resources is building a facility in Saskatchewan to annually refine 1.1 million m3 of helium from local gas wells. Linde is providing technology and will also buy and market the output of the plant, which is scheduled to open late this year. Air Liquide has inaugurated its second research facility in China. Built in Shanghai’s Minhang district, the lab can support 250 researchers working on energy transition, emissions reduction, wastewater treatment, food safety, health care, and other customer problems. Saudi Basic Industries Corp. has acquired a majority stake in Fibre Reinforced Thermoplastics of Lelystad, the Netherlands. The company makes engineering thermoplastic composite tapes used in transportation and construction. Mitsui Chemicals, Jayant Agro-Organics, and partners have inaugurated a facility in Gujarat, India, that can make 8,000 metric tons per year of biobased polyol, a polyurethane raw material. Fed by locally sourced castor oil, the plant is “overwhelmingly cost-competitive,” MitsuiView: PDF | Full Text HTML

A Study on the Mechanical Properties of Oil Palm Mesocarp Fibre-Reinforced Thermoplastic

Oil palm mesocarp fibre obtained from a palm oil processing mill was washed with detergent and water to remove the oil and sun-dried to enhance good adhesion to Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE). The fibre was pulverized and filtered through a sieve of pore size 300 microns. The Oil Palm Mesocarp Fibre Reinforced Thermoplastic (OPMFRT) was produced with a form of hand lay-up method and varying fibres weight ratio in the matrix from 5 wt% to 25 wt% in steps of 5 wt%. Tensile test was carried out to determine the tensile strength, tensile modulus, and elongation at break of the material. The hardness and impact strength of the composite were also determined. The results showed that tensile modulus and hardness of the OPMFRT increased by 50% and 24.56%, respectively, while tensile strength, impact strength, and percentage elongation of the OPMFRT decreased by 36.78%, 39.07%, and 95.98%, respectively, as fibre loading increased from 5 wt% to 25 wt%. The study concluded that the application of the OPMFRT developed should be restricted to areas demanding high rigidity and wear resistance.

Combined Detachable Joints for Textile Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites with Embedded Sensor Networks

In regard to the realization of innovative lightweight constructions, textile reinforced composites show outstanding mechanical properties, e. g. adjustable high specific stiffness and strengths. Furthermore, these materials enable a process immanent integration of functional elements (f. e. conductors, sensors, actuators or electronic components) directly into the composite structure due to their layered built up. Currently, no joining technologies for such function integrative composite parts exists, which enable a simultaneous mechanical and electrical load transfer from part to part by only one joining element type. Therefore, the paper focuses on detachable functional interfaces, which enable the mechanical connection of two join partners and the transfer of electrical signals by contacting the composite embedded conductors. Investigations in regard to the selection of suitable joining elements and their behavior under mechanical and thermal loads are performed. The investigations show that the electrical resistances are low and not affected significantly by rising tensile loads or repetitive joining operations. Tensile tests using both single lap shear and double lap shear specimens show that the electrical contact almost exists until the mechanical failure of the joints occurs.

319 閉断面構造を有する組物強化熱可塑性樹脂複合材料のハイブリッド成形法に関する研究

319 閉断面構造を有する組物強化熱可塑性樹脂複合材料のハイブリッド成形法に関する研究

Fabrication, Mechanical and Dielectric Characterization of 3D Orthogonal Woven Basalt Reinforced Thermoplastic Polyimide Composites

The 3D orthogonal woven basalt fiber reinforced polyimide (PI) composites were fabricated and characterized in this study. The PI film was firstly prepared to determine PI processing parameters. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis showed that 300°C was the suitable imidization temperature. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results showed relatively good thermal properties of the PI film. In the fabrication of composites, the multi-step impregnation method was applied. The bending properties of 3 mm-thick composite showed increasing trend in all and the second-time impregnated composite had much higher value than the first-time impregnated composite. Moreover, the bending fracture mode photos showed obvious creases except for the first-time impregnated materials, which agreed well with the bending property values. The dielectric constants for the composites were complex because they had not regular value following the mixing rule of the composites, which was mainly due to the interfacial polarization and other effects in the fabrication processing.

Lignocellulosic Fibers and Nanocellulose as Reinforcing Filler in Thermoplastic Composites

Natural fibers have received considerable attention as a substitute for synthetic fiber reinforcements in thermoplastics. As replacements for conventional synthetic fibers like aramid and glass fibers, natural fibers are increasingly used for reinforcement in thermoplastics due to their low density, good thermal insulation and mechanical properties, reduced tool wear, unlimited availability, low price, and problem-free disposal. Natural fibers also offer economical and environmental advantages over traditional inorganic reinforcements and fillers. As a result of these advantages, natural fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites are gaining popularity in automotive, garden decking, fencing, railing, and non-structural building applications, such as exterior window and door profiles, siding. Another class of naturally-sourced reinforcements of recent interest is nanocellulose-based reinforcements. This study provide a short review on developments in the area of cellulose based fibers and nanocellulose and their applications in cellulose fiber based industries such as wood-plastic composites (WPC).

Effect of Chemical Modification with Maleic, Propionic, and Succinic Anhydrides on Some Properties of Wood Flour Filled HDPE Composites

One of the biggest disadvantages of wood, as a potential reinforcement for thermoplastics, is its hydrophilicity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of chemical modification of wood flour on mechanical, thermal, and fire properties of filled high-density polyethylene composites. For this purpose, aspen flour was modified with maleic, propionic, and succinic anhydrides. The modified wood flour and high-density polyethylene were compounded into pellets by single-screw extrusion, and test samples were prepared by injection molding. Tensile and flexural tests, impact testing, limiting oxygen index, TGA, and SEM analyses were conducted both for modified and un-modified samples. Based on the test results, chemical modification enhanced the properties of thermoplastic composites. Depending on the chemical concentrations, the flexural, tensile, and impact strengths of the modified flour filled HDPE composites were improved slightly, while the tensile and flexural moduli of the samples were increased significantly. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) levels of samples with modified wood flour were slightly improved, and succinic anhydride provided higher LOI levels compared to the samples with other anhydrides. This showed that the composites filled with chemically modified wood flour were slightly more thermally stable than control samples. It appears that wood flour modified with maleic, propionic, and succinic anhydrides can be successfully utilized as filler in polymer matrices.