Polypropylene/natural fibres composites: Analysis of fibre dimensions after compounding and observations of fibre rupture by rheo-optics

Fibre size distribution and the way how fibres are breaking during compounding with polypropylene were analysed. Two types of cellulose-based fibres were used: natural flax and man-made (regenerated) cellulose, Tencel. No significant influence of Tencel initial fibre size on its final size after pro...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Composites. Part A, Applied science and manufacturing Applied science and manufacturing, 2011-11, Vol.42 (11), p.1727-1737
Main Authors: Duc, Anne Le, Vergnes, Bruno, Budtova, Tatiana
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
A. Fibres
A. Polymer-matrix composites
Applied sciences
cellulose
Cellulose fibers
Composites
Compounding
D. Optical microscopy Physical methods of analysis
dimensions
Engineering Sciences
Exact sciences and technology
Fibers
Fibres
Flax
Forms of application and semi-finished materials
glass fibers
Kink bands
Materials
Natural fibres
Polymer industry, paints, wood
Polypropylenes
Rupture
Technology of polymers
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Summary:Fibre size distribution and the way how fibres are breaking during compounding with polypropylene were analysed. Two types of cellulose-based fibres were used: natural flax and man-made (regenerated) cellulose, Tencel. No significant influence of Tencel initial fibre size on its final size after processing was observed. However, the fibre type and the presence of defects have a stronger effect on the rupture. The value of the average final length of flax fibres was found to be similar to the distance between kink bands. In order to understand fibre rupture mechanisms, they were observed using a rheo-optical system which enabled visualization of fibre break-up. All fibres studied broke by fatigue after an accumulation of strain, contrarily to what is known for glass fibres. Flax fibres broke around the kink bands while Tencel® broke after numerous bending.
ISSN:1359-835X
1878-5840
DOI:10.1016/j.compositesa.2011.07.027