Test Methods for Fibre/Matrix Adhesion in Cellulose Fibre-Reinforced Thermoplastic Composite Materials: A Critical Review

Due to the increasing discussion about sustainable and CO2-reduced materials, the demand for cellulose-based fibres as a reinforcing component in thermoplastic composites has increased considerably. Knowledge about the possibilities of modifying fibres for improved adhesion to the plastic matrix is essential in this context. The fibre/matrix adhesion in cellulose fibre-reinforced polymers is of considerable importance for the design of composite materials. Unfortunately, there are no standards for many essential methods to determine fibre/matrix adhesion. In this review article, various methods for measuring the interfacial shear strength between fibres and matrix, as an indirect characterisation of adhesion, are presented. Additionally, a brief overview of different methods for surface modification of cellulose fibres to improve the adhesion to a thermoplastic matrix is given. This review focuses on the fact that the parameters for the production of test specimens as well as the test method itself can vary considerably from study to study. Because of this, the comparison of data from different publications is not always possible. Therefore, in this article, the main influencing factors and differences in the methods are presented and discussed. Based on a systematic review and a clear description and discussion of the methods, the reader is given a broad basis for a better understanding of characteristic values for fibre/matrix adhesion.