There have been a number of review papers on layered silicate and carbon nanotube reinforced polymer nanocomposites, in which the fillers have high aspect ratios. Particulate–polymer nanocomposites containing fillers with small aspect ratios are also an important class of polymer composites. However, they have been apparently overlooked. Thus, in this paper, detailed discussions on the effects of particle size, particle/matrix interface adhesion and particle loading on the stiffness, strength and toughness of such particulate–polymer composites are reviewed. To develop high performance particulate composites, it is necessary to have some basic understanding of the stiffening, strengthening and toughening mechanisms of these composites. A critical evaluation of published experimental results in comparison with theoretical models is given.

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Effects of particle size, particle/matrix interface adhesion and particle loading on mechanical properties of particulate–polymer composites

An Important aspect with respect to optimal mechanical performance of fiber reinforced composites in general and durability in particular is the optimization of the interfacial bond between fiber and polymer matrix. The quality of the fiber-matrix interface is significant for the application of natural fibers as reinforcement for plastics. Since the fibers and matrices are chemically different, strong adhesion at their interfaces is needed for an effective transfer of stress and bond distribution throughout an Interface. A good compatibilization between cellulose fibers and non-polar matrices is achieved from polymeric chains that will favor entanglements and interdiffiusion with the matrix. This article gives a critical review on the physical and chemical treatment methods that improve the fiber-matrix adhesion and their characterization methods.

A review on interface modification and characterization of natural fiber reinforced plastic composites

The effect of fiber treatment on the mechanical properties of unidirectional sisal-reinforced epoxy composites

Dynamic mechanical analysis of randomly oriented intimately mixed short banana/sisal hybrid fibre reinforced polyester composites

Modification of cellulosic fibres with functionalised silanes: development of surface properties

Influence of interfacial adhesion on the mechanical properties and fracture behaviour of short sisal fibre reinforced polymer composites

Tearing behavior of blends of isotactic polypropylene and nitrile rubber: influence of blend ratio, morphology and compatibilizer loading

Tensile impact strength of blends of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and acrylonitrile-butadiene-rubber (NBR) has been studied with special reference to the effect of blend ratio and com-patibilizer concentration. Even though the tensile impact strength of the blend is inferior to that of virgin plastic, a substantial improvement was observed in the tensile impact strength values of the compatibilized systems. The compatibilizers, phenolic modified polyethylene (PhPE) and maleic anhydride modified polyethylene (MAPE), act by locating at the interface due to their propensity to phase separation. By the addition of compatibilizers the interfacial tension is reduced and better mixing between components becomes possible, which results in finer and uniform morphology. The compatibilizers also improve the interfacial adhesion. The improvement in tensile impact strength has been explained on the basis of the blend morphology, that is, size, shape, and distribution of the rubber phase in the plastic mat...

L. Prasannakumari

Papers

Influence of interfacial adhesion on the mechanical properties and fracture behaviour of short sisal fibre reinforced polymer composites

Tearing behavior of blends of isotactic polypropylene and nitrile rubber: influence of blend ratio, morphology and compatibilizer loading

Tensile Impact Strength of Blends of High-Density Polyethylene and Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Rubber: Effect of Blend Ratio and Compatibilization