Journal
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Volume 71, Issue 2, Pages 122-128Publisher
ELSEVIER SCI LTD
DOI: 10.1016/j.compscitech.2010.10.012
Keywords
Short-fibre composites; Fibre/matrix bond; Interfacial strength; Mechanical properties; Modelling
Categories
Funding
- Fundacio Ma Francisca de Roviralta
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Abaca (Musa textilis)-reinforced polypropylene composites have been prepared and their flexural mechanical properties studied. Due to their characteristic properties, M. textilis has a great economic importance and its fibers are used for specialty papers. Due to its high price and despite possessing very distinctive mechanical properties, to date abaca fibers had not been tested in fiber-reinforced composites. Analysis of materials prepared showed that, in spite of reduced interface adhesion, flexural properties of the PP composites increased linearly with fiber content up to 50 wt.%. Addition of a maleated polypropylene coupling agent still enhanced the stress transfer from the matrix to the reinforcement fiber. As a result, composites with improved flexural properties were obtained. The mechanical properties of matrix and reinforcing fiber were evaluated and used for modelling both the flexural strength and modulus of its composites. In addition, the impact strength of materials was evaluated. Comparison with mechanical properties of composites reinforced with fiberglass points out the potentiality of abaca-reinforced polypropylene composites as suitable substitutes in applications with low impact strength demands. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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