Fabrication and mechanical characterization of carbon/SiC-epoxy nanocomposites

On transcrystallinity in semi-crystalline polymer composites

http://media.journals.elsevier.com/content/files/s0032386103011625-19130349.pdf

The science and technology of hot compaction

Increasing concern for the environment has stimulated interest in the research and development of single polymer composite (SPC) materials. These materials are an emerging class of composite materials with mechanical properties comparable to heterogeneous composites. The SPCs are fully recyclable and have specific economic and environmental benefits. The small melting temperature difference between the fiber and the matrix poses a great challenge in the fabrication of SPCs. This article gives an overview of developments in SPCs relating to the materials and fabrication methods used.

Single polymer composites: a review

The hot compaction behaviour of woven oriented polypropylene fibres and tapes. I. Mechanical properties

Drawing on the difference in melting points of UHMPE fiber (150°C) and HDPE matrix (130°C), single-polymer composites were fabricated under various processing conditions. Because of the chemical similarity of the composite components, good bonding at the fiber-matrix interface could be expected. The matrix, the fiber, and unidirectional composite laminae were studied using TMA and DSC analyses, a hot-stage crystallization unit attached to a polarizing microscope, and an universal tensile testing machine. The TMA showed negative thermal expansion of the fiber over the complete temperature range of the experiment. Three regimes of contraction according to the values of the thermal expansion coefficient were detected. DSC analyses of either the fiber or the composite specimens did not show any appreciable changes after various thermal treatments. They also showed no evidence of fiber relaxation during manufacture, probably because of the pressure-related transverse constraint. The tensile strength and modulus values of the composite appeared to be fairly high and close to those reported for other composites reinforced with polyethylene (PE) fibers. An apparent maximum on the temperature dependencies of tensile properties was observed. A study of the matrix microstructure did not give any proof of transcrystalline growth at the fiber-matrix interface even for chemical or plasma surface-treated fibers. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Silvia Incardona

Papers

Polyethylene fibers‐polyethylene matrix composites: Preparation and physical properties