The influence of fiber addition and different fabrication conditions in manufacturing plasma treated polyethylene/carbon fiber composites

The potential advantage of plasma treated polyethylene (PEP) in mechanical properties was studied in this research. Recycled carbon fiber (CF) was the filler used for this hand layup technique. During fabrication, 4-14 wt% CF was incorporated into PEP and the results showed the impact of both filler and plasma treatment in enhancing the mechanical strength of polymer composites. Tensile results improved from 17.51 to 22.51 MPa in the polyethylene (PE) matrix. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) results showed untreated PE composites with fiber and matrix breakages as also voids reducing the compatibility of the PE/CF phases. The maximum flexural property of 25.5 MPa was observed in 10 wt% CF/PE treated with plasma. This combination was tried with different fabrication conditions in a temperature range of 180-220 degrees C and time duration of 20-30 min. It was clearly seen that CF/PE combinations at a temperature of 180 degrees C and time duration of 20 min had maximum tensile and flexural strength. The optimization using Taguchi method proved the significance of CF content in enhancing the mechanical properties. It also observed better tensile strength, flexural strength properties with 10 wt% CF, 180 degrees C temperature, 20 min time from the results. Surface images of this condition showed more dispersed CF in the PE than other combinations due to optimum temperature and time duration during fabrication.

Automated summary

The potential advantage of plasma treated polyethylene (PEP) in mechanical properties was investigated in this study, and recycled carbon fiber (CF) was used as a filler in the hand layup technique. The results showed that both the filler and plasma treatment had a positive impact on enhancing the mechanical strength of polymer composites. The optimized condition with 10 wt% CF, 180 degrees C temperature, and 20 min time duration demonstrated the maximum tensile and flexural strength.