Bio-based polyamides reinforced with cellulosic fibres – Processing and properties

• Published in: Composites science and technology 2014-08, Vol.100, p.113-120
• Main Authors: Feldmann, Maik, Bledzki, Andrzej K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: A. Short-fibre composites; Applied sciences; B. Thermomechanical properties; Cellulose; Composites; D. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM); E. Injection moulding; E. Pultrusion; Exact sciences and technology; Fibers; Fibres; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Impact strength; Melting points; Polyamide resins; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Pultrusion; Technology of polymers; Tensile strength
• ISSN: 0266-3538; 1879-1050
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compscitech.2014.06.008

Bio-based polyamides with a melting point above 200°C were used as the polymer matrix, and compounds with 15wt% and 30wt% man-made cellulose fibres were prepared. A new, single-step pultrusion process was developed, and composites prepared using this method were compared to those produced in a common two-step pultrusion process. After the compounding process was completed, specimens were further processed using an injection moulding process, and, subsequently, the thermomechanical properties were evaluated. The new single-step pultrusion process creates composites with a significantly higher tensile strength and notched impact strength than composites made using the two-step process. The increases in tensile strength and tensile stiffness were investigated in correlation with increasing fibre content. When compared with glass fibre reinforced bio-based polyamides, those reinforced with man-made cellulose fibres display both a higher notched impact strength and lightweight potential. What is also remarkable, the heat distortion temperature of such materials is close to the melting point, which is above 200°C.