Investigation of the structural and mechanical properties of polypropylene-based carbon fiber nanocomposites by experimental measurement and molecular dynamics simulation

[Display omitted] This study investigates the interfacial strengths between polypropylene (PP)/carbon fiber (CF) composites through experimental observation as well as using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to determine optimal chemical functionalization groups for four PP/CF composites. First, th...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Computational materials science 2016-04, Vol.115, p.1-10
Main Authors: Ju, Shin-Pon, Chen, Chien-Chia, Huang, Tien-Jung, Liao, Chun-Hsiung, Chen, Hsin-Lung, Chuang, Ying-Chen, Wu, Yng-Ching, Chen, Hsin-Tsung
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Carbon fiber
Carbon fiber reinforced plastics
Computer simulation
Graphene
Interfacial strength
Mechanical properties
Molecular dynamics
Molecular structure
Polymer matrix composites
Polypropylene
Polypropylenes
Strength
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Summary:[Display omitted] This study investigates the interfacial strengths between polypropylene (PP)/carbon fiber (CF) composites through experimental observation as well as using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to determine optimal chemical functionalization groups for four PP/CF composites. First, the structures of PP/CF, PP-graft-maleic anhydride (PP-MAH)/CF, PP-MAH/CF-NH2 (2%) and PP-MAH/CF-NH2 (5%) were constructed to obtain stable interface structures by the simulated-annealing procedure, and these structures were further used to evaluate the interface bonding strength. The study found that the degrees of crystallinity of PP and PP-MAH at the interfaces are significantly improved when compared to those of the pristine structure. The results show, through the interaction energy per unit area and the tensile simulation mechanical strength, that the strengths of the modified PP/functionalized-CF are higher. Finally, the MD simulation results of the modified PP and functionalized-CF composites are demonstrated to provide an economical and quick approach to examine the mechanical properties of a polymer composite system before conducting an experiment. Such MD results can be utilized to guide both the design of polymer/carbon fiber composites and to select proper functionalized groups.
ISSN:0927-0256
1879-0801
DOI:10.1016/j.commatsci.2015.12.032