Micro-structural, thermal, and mechanical properties of injection-molded glass fiber/nanoclay/polypropylene composites
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2012
Abstract
Hybrid composites of PP/NC/GF were prepared by extrusion and injection molding. Molded specimens were analyzed by XRD, SEM, and TEM, together with characterization of thermal and mechanical properties. XRD results revealed that the interaction between NC particles and the PP matrix results in intercalation of the polymer chains, which increases the clay interlayer distance. TEM results revealed NC particle intercalation. TGA results showed that the incorporation of clay into the GF composite improves the thermal stability of the material. The initial thermal decomposition temperatures also shifted to higher values. Incorporation of GF into PP lowers the tensile strength of the binary composite, indicating poor fiber-matrix interfacial adhesion; however, introducing NC increased the strength of the ternary composites. Tensile modulus was enhanced with the incorporation of GF and further increased with an introduction of NC. Flexural strength and flexural modulus are both enhanced with an increase in fiber loading. The addition of clay nanoparticles further improved these properties.
Keywords
extrusion glass fiber/nanoclay/polypropylene composites injection molding mechanical properties thermal properties Binary composites Clay nanoparticles Flexural modulus Hybrid composites In-fiber Interfacial adhesions Interlayer distance Micro-structural Polymer chains PP matrix Ternary composites Thermal and mechanical properties Thermal decomposition temperature XRD Adhesion Glass Hybrid materials Pyrolysis Thermodynamic properties
Divisions
CHEMISTRY
Publication Title
Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites
Volume
31
Issue
4