Studies on carbon fiber (CF)/poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) fiber hybrid textiles were initiated several decades ago because their flexibility and conformability make them a promising alternative to traditional prepregs. The adhesion between the CFs and PEEK is mostly controlled by their inherent surface properties and mutual wettability. However, details of these properties remain largely unknown, especially those of PEEK. Therefore, to determine the surface and interfacial properties of these fibers, we performed a comprehensive study and characterized their surface topography (atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy), surface chemistry [X-ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS), acid-base titration], surface energies (wetting tests, acid-base approach), and interfacial mechanical properties [droplet test, interfacial shear strength (IFSS)]. These experiments were complemented by a theoretical approach to the prediction of the surface energy components (parachor) and contact angles of PEEK. We found good agreement between the results obtained by XPS and wetting tests (base-to-acid surface energy component ratio), as well as between the predicted and measured surface energy and contact angles. The results highlight the consistency and reliability of the proposed methodology. We found that both CFs and PEEK fibers appear to be smooth at the nanoscale and have large dispersive and basic surface energy components. The IFSS of CF/PEEK is significantly higher (44.87 ± 5.76 MPa) compared to that of other thermoplastic systems. The findings not only demonstrate the potential of CF/PEEK hybrid textiles but also emphasize the need to further increase the compatibility between CFs and PEEK fibers by increasing the acidic component of CF surfaces. Surface treatments and the design of a suitable sizing are potential methods to achieve this objective in future studies.

Wettability and Interfacial Properties of Carbon Fiber and Poly(ether ether ketone) Fiber Hybrid Composite.

Tuning the structural, optical and electrical properties of NiO nanoparticles prepared by wet chemical route

Micro injection molding enables the manufacture of micro-scale features with good accuracy at high production rates. However, the replication of complex micro and nano features is still challenging hindering the development of new functional surface topographies. The marked thermal gradient between injected polymer and mold surface and the reduced dimensions promote a rapid drop of melt temperature that causes the incomplete filling of the micro features. This study aims to investigate the combined effects of vacuum venting and mold wettability on the replication of micro-structured surfaces. A low-viscosity polystyrene and a cyclic olefin copolymer were selected and their wetting properties were evaluated. The results showed that a polymer with high wetting properties and an elevated viscosity dependence on temperature improves the replication of the micro features. Moreover, high interfacial effects can be exploited to significantly enhance the filling ratio when applying vacuum venting.

Effect of vacuum venting and mold wettability on the replication of micro-structured surfaces

In stretchable electronics, high-resolution stretchable interfacing at a mild temperature is considered as a great challenge and has not been achieved yet. This study presents a stretchable anisotropic conductive film (S-ACF) that can electrically connect high-resolution stretchable circuit lines to other electrodes whether they are rigid, flexible, or stretchable. The key concepts of this study are (i) high-resolution (~50 μm) but low–contact resistance (0.2 ohm in 0.25 mm2) interfacing by periodically embedding conductive microparticles in thermoplastic film, (ii) low-temperature interfacing through the formation of chemical bonds between the S-ACF and the substrates, (iii) economical interfacing by selectively patterning the S-ACF, and (iv) direct interfacing of chips by using the adhesion of the thermoplastic matrix. We integrate light-emitting diodes on the patterned S-ACF and demonstrate stable light operation at large biaxial areal stretching (exy = 70%).

Stretchable anisotropic conductive film (S-ACF) for electrical interfacing in high-resolution stretchable circuits

Effect of cavity surface roughness and wettability on the filling flow in micro injection molding

It is of great importance for polymer processing whether and how viscosity influences the wettability of tool surfaces. We demonstrate the existence of a distinct relationship between the contact angle of molten polymers and zero shear viscosity in this paper. The contact angle of molten polypropylene and polymethylmethacrylate on polished steel was studied in a high temperature chamber using the sessile drop method. A high pressure capillary rheometer with a slit die was employed to determine the shear viscosity curves in a low shear rate range. A linear relation between the contact angle and zero shear viscosity was obtained. Furthermore, the contact angle and the zero shear viscosity values of the different polymers were combined to one function. It is revealed that, for the wetting of tool surfaces by molten polymers, a lower viscosity is advantageous. Furthermore, a model based on the temperature shift concept is proposed which allows the calculation of the contact angle of molten polymers on steel for different temperatures directly from shear viscosity data.

Calculation of the Contact Angle of Polymer Melts on Tool Surfaces from Viscosity Parameters

Wetting behavior of polymer melts on coated and uncoated tool steel surfaces

A homogenous melt is the prerequisite to achieve the demanded product quality in single screw plasticising technology. At higher screw speeds and mass flow rates solid particles can occur in the melt. Dispersive mixing elements are often used to improve the melt quality. Calculation models are necessary for designing mixing elements in the right way. A new model for the often used fluted mixing sections like axial and spiral Maddock-elements and Z-elements is presented in this paper. The calculation model is reduced to a single pair of inlet and outlet flute, connected by the shearing gap. Especially in spiral Maddock mixers the longitudinal flow in the flutes is a combined pressure and drag flow but in axial Maddock mixers pure pressure flow occurs. In the shearing gap a combined pressure and drag flow can occur. The leakage flow through the flight clearance is also considered. Geometry functions are introduced for considering the rectangular or circular segment shaped cross section of the flute...

A new calculation model and optimization method for Maddock mixers in single screw plasticising technology

Low compatibility of polymer matrix and dispersed filler negatively affects the performance of polymeric composites. In order to improve the adhesion between the components in a compound the polymer matrix or/and the filler particles should be modified with a compatibilizer or/and a coupling agent.An overview of our current research on the effect of the addition of silane treated and untreated talc powders on the mechanical properties of polypropylene/talc composites is presented in this paper. Different silane coupling agents (3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane and 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane) were used to improve the adhesion at the surface of talc powders. Maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene was utilized to increase the adhesion between the polypropylene matrix and talc powders. The content of maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MA-g-PP) was varied between 1 and 5 wt% in polypropylene/talc composites.The surface modification of talc powders has a significant effect on the interfacial structure and the mechanical properties such as tensile strength and impact strength of polypropylene/talc composites. The experiments show that polypropylene grafted with maleic anhydride together with silane surface treatment exhibits the highest potential for improvements in this field.

Gernot Zitzenbacher

Papers

Calculation of the Contact Angle of Polymer Melts on Tool Surfaces from Viscosity Parameters

Wetting behavior of polymer melts on coated and uncoated tool steel surfaces

A new calculation model and optimization method for Maddock mixers in single screw plasticising technology

Effects of surface modification of talc on mechanical properties of polypropylene/talc composites

Enhanced infrared heating of thermoplastic composite sheets for thermoforming processes