Journal of Composites Science

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15 pages, 3403 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Foam Composites from Flax Gum-Filled Epoxy Resin

by Corentin Musa, Mohammed Zaidi, Michaël Depriester, Yamina Allouche, Naïm Naouar, Alain Bourmaud, Dominique Baillis and François Delattre

J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(7), 244; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8070244 - 27 Jun 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 974

Abstract

In the present work, an innovative range of foams based on flax gum-filled epoxy resin was developed, reinforced or not by flax fibers. Foams and composites with different gum and epoxy resin contents were produced and their mechanical and thermal performances were characterized. [...] Read more.

In the present work, an innovative range of foams based on flax gum-filled epoxy resin was developed, reinforced or not by flax fibers. Foams and composites with different gum and epoxy resin contents were produced and their mechanical and thermal performances were characterized. To enhance the organic flax gum filler’s cross-linking, we exploited the oxidized components’ reactivity with the amine hardener (isophorone diamine). We compared the materials obtained with those derived from the native components. The flax gum and fibers were primarily characterized by chemical analysis, NMR, and FTIR to evaluate the mild oxidation of the native materials. The formation of chemical bonds between the oxidized polymer chains, epoxy resin, and hardener was evidenced by FTIR, and the materials were then studied by SEM and X-ray computed micro-tomography (CT) and submitted to mechanical and thermal tests. The relevance of the oxidation treatment was highlighted through a significant increase in density and mechanical performance (+36% and +81%, respectively, for the 100% flax gum material). The positive effect of the flax fibers on homogeneity evidenced through micro-CT analysis was also clearly addressed. This set of promising results paves the way for the future development of fully flax-based insulation composite materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites Reinforced with Natural Fibers and Nanofillers)

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14 pages, 6798 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hybrid Polyethylene Composites with Recycled Carbon Fibres and Hemp Fibres Produced by Rotational Moulding

by Maria Oliveira, Kim L. Pickering and Christian Gauss

J. Compos. Sci. 2022, 6(11), 352; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs6110352 - 18 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2065

Abstract

This study assessed polyethene composites produced by rotational moulding with hybrid reinforcement using recycled carbon fibre (RCF) and hemp fibre (HF). First, the RCF was treated with nitric acid to introduce hydroxyl groups on the fibres’ surface and was characterised by infrared spectroscopy [...] Read more.

This study assessed polyethene composites produced by rotational moulding with hybrid reinforcement using recycled carbon fibre (RCF) and hemp fibre (HF). First, the RCF was treated with nitric acid to introduce hydroxyl groups on the fibres’ surface and was characterised by infrared spectroscopy and microscopy analyses. Although the fibre surface treatment improved the tensile properties of the composites, the use of grafted maleic anhydride polyethylene (MAPE) as a coupling agent was more effective in improving the interfacial bonding between the fibres and the matrix. Alkali-treated hemp fibres were then used in combination with RCF to produce rotationally moulded composites with an overall fibre content of 10 wt.% but with different ratios of HF/RCF, namely, (20/80) and (50/50). The results showed that the addition of RCF increased the composite’s Young’s modulus compared to neat PE, regardless of the fibre treatment. Similarly, the hybrid composites showed superior Young’s moduli than the HF–PE composites through the increase in the RCF content. It was also observed that adding RCF reduced the void size within the final composites compared to the HF–PE composites, which contributed to the greater performance of the hybrid composites compared to their natural counterparts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites Reinforced with Natural Fibers and Nanofillers)

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12 pages, 2920 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Performances Recovery of Flax Fiber Reinforced Composites after Salt-Fog Aging Test

by Luigi Calabrese, Vincenzo Fiore, Riccardo Miranda, Dionisio Badagliacco, Carmelo Sanfilippo, Davide Palamara, Antonino Valenza and Edoardo Proverbio

J. Compos. Sci. 2022, 6(9), 264; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs6090264 - 9 Sep 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1683

Abstract

In the present paper, the performance recovery under conditions of discontinuous exposure to a marine environment of a natural fiber-reinforced composite (NFRC) reinforced by flax fibers was assessed. In particular, this laminate was initially exposed to salt-fog for 15 and 30 days, and [...] Read more.

In the present paper, the performance recovery under conditions of discontinuous exposure to a marine environment of a natural fiber-reinforced composite (NFRC) reinforced by flax fibers was assessed. In particular, this laminate was initially exposed to salt-fog for 15 and 30 days, and then stored in a controlled air condition for up to 21 days. The flax fiber-reinforced composite showed coupled reversible and irreversible aging phenomena during the wet stage, as well as evidencing a significant mechanical recovery during the dry stage. Unlike the stiffness, the laminate showed a noticeable recovery of its flexural strength. This behavior affected the composite material toughness. A simplified approach was applied to define a topological map of the material toughness at varying drying times. The results highlight that the composite shows maximum toughness at intermediate drying times thanks to the strength recovery, in addition to its residual plasticity. This approach allows us to better determine that the strength is more closely related to reversible degradation phenomena, whereas the stiffness is mainly correlated to irreversible ones, implying relevant effects on the toughness of the composite exposed to a wet/dry cycle. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites Reinforced with Natural Fibers and Nanofillers)

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21 pages, 9266 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Effectiveness of Natural and Chlorobutyl Rubber Blend Nanocomposite

by Tomy Muringayil Joseph, Hanna J. Mariya, Jozef T. Haponiuk, Sabu Thomas, Amin Esmaeili and S. Mohammad Sajadi

J. Compos. Sci. 2022, 6(8), 240; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs6080240 - 15 Aug 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2603

Abstract

The science and technology of electrical equipment for communication experience a rapid growth rate. However, the unwanted interference of electromagnetic waves of different electronic devices brought serious anxiety about human health as well as the lifetime and performance of the systems. To combat [...] Read more.

The science and technology of electrical equipment for communication experience a rapid growth rate. However, the unwanted interference of electromagnetic waves of different electronic devices brought serious anxiety about human health as well as the lifetime and performance of the systems. To combat these consequences, we need to lessen the electromagnetic wave emission by making our devices more noise-sensitive. Herein, we incorporated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) at different ratios into natural rubber (NR) and chlorobutyl rubber (CIIR) to achieve shielding efficiency, along with carbon nanofibers (CNFs), nanoclay (NC), and carbon black (CB) to manipulate EMI shielding performance. The blend of CIIR/NR in a 70/30 (w/w) ratio also mixed with CNT, CNF, CB and NC. The effect of different fillers and their concentration/combination was analyzed by UV spectroscopy, demonstrating an absorbance peak in CIIR in 320 nm. From FTIR spectroscopy, it was evident that CIIR/CNT (5 phr), NR (30 wt.%)/CIIR (70 wt.%)/CB (5 phr), and NR (30 wt.%)/CIIR (70 wt.%)/CNT (5 phr) new bonding signatures were detected. The dielectric spectroscopic analyses were reflected in dielectric loss, dielectric permittivity and AC conductivity, where NR (30 wt.%)/CIIR (70 wt.%)/CB (5 phr) blend nanocomposite with 5 dB showed significantly higher EMI shielding performance compared to CIIR/CNT (5 phr) and CIIR/CNF (5 phr) with 29 and 15 dB, respectively. The greater the concentration of nanofiller, the lower the electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, i.e., CIIR/CNT (10 phr) with 15 dB (≈−48% dB), but with more agglomeration. Surprisingly, even a combination of fillers did not lead to higher EMI performance, such that CIIR/CNT (5 phr)-CB (20 phr) showed an EMI shielding value of 59 dB. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites Reinforced with Natural Fibers and Nanofillers)

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12 pages, 3250 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Efficient Method to Determine the Thermal Behavior of Composite Material with Loading High Thermal Conductivity Fillers

by Chi-Cuong Tran and Quang-Khoi Nguyen

J. Compos. Sci. 2022, 6(7), 214; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs6070214 - 20 Jul 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2363

Abstract

Improvement of the thermal conductivity of encapsulant material using doping filler is an important requirement for electronic device packaging. We proposed a simple method for determining the thermal characteristics of composite material that can help save time, increase research performance, and reduce the [...] Read more.

Improvement of the thermal conductivity of encapsulant material using doping filler is an important requirement for electronic device packaging. We proposed a simple method for determining the thermal characteristics of composite material that can help save time, increase research performance, and reduce the cost of buying testing equipment. Based on the theory of Fourier law, a general 3D model is simplified into a 2D model, which can then be applied to calculate the thermal conductivity of the tested sample. The temperature distribution inside the sample is simulated by the finite element method using MATLAB software; this is a simple and useful option for researchers who conduct studies on thermal conduction. In addition, an experimental setup is proposed to help determine the extent of thermal conductivity improvement in a sample with doping filler compared to a bare sample. This method is helpful for research on optoelectronics packaging, which relates to the enhancement of thermal conductivity composite material. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites Reinforced with Natural Fibers and Nanofillers)

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12 pages, 3924 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Experimental and Calculated Tensile Properties of Flax Fibres

by Niphaphun Soatthiyanon, Alan Crosky and Michael T. Heitzmann

J. Compos. Sci. 2022, 6(4), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs6040100 - 22 Mar 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2997

Abstract

The tensile properties of natural plant fibres are commonly determined by single fibre testing. The cross-sectional area used to determine the modulus and strength is usually obtained by measuring the fibre width and using this as the fibre diameter on the assumption that [...] Read more.

The tensile properties of natural plant fibres are commonly determined by single fibre testing. The cross-sectional area used to determine the modulus and strength is usually obtained by measuring the fibre width and using this as the fibre diameter on the assumption that the fibres are circular in section. The assumption of circularity is reasonably true for synthetic fibres but is not correct for natural fibres, and this can lead to a substantial error when determining the tensile properties of the fibres. The incorporation of a fibre area correction factor, which takes into account the non-circularity of natural fibres, has been proposed by earlier workers, who used it successfully to predict the mechanical properties of jute fibre composites. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the wider applicability of this methodology by applying it to flax fibre composites. The work involved determination of the tensile properties of 113 flax technical fibres using an experimentally determined fibre area correction factor to account for the non-circularity of the fibres. The data were then compared with those obtained from back-calculation of the results obtained from longitudinal tensile testing of flax/vinyl ester unidirectional composites manufactured utilising identical fibres to those used in the single fibre tests. Account was taken of the effect of fibre length on strength. The experimentally determined fibre area correction factor was found to be 2.70. Taking this into account for the single fibre tests, the back-calculated modulus of the flax fibres was within 6% of that obtained from the single fibre tests, while the strength was within 7%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites Reinforced with Natural Fibers and Nanofillers)

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Review

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24 pages, 2484 KiB

Open AccessReview

Tuning of Dielectric Properties of Polymers by Composite Formation: The Effect of Inorganic Fillers Addition

by Farah Deeba, Kriti Shrivastava, Minal Bafna and Ankur Jain

J. Compos. Sci. 2022, 6(12), 355; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs6120355 - 22 Nov 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2541

Abstract

Polymer blend or composite, which is a combination of two or more polymers and fillers such as semiconductors, metals, metal oxides, salts and ceramics, are a synthesized product facilitating improved, augmented or customized properties, and have widespread applications for the achievement of functional [...] Read more.

Polymer blend or composite, which is a combination of two or more polymers and fillers such as semiconductors, metals, metal oxides, salts and ceramics, are a synthesized product facilitating improved, augmented or customized properties, and have widespread applications for the achievement of functional materials. Polymer materials with embedded inorganic fillers are significantly appealing for challenging and outstanding electric, dielectric, optical and mechanical applications involving magnetic features. In particular, a polymer matrix exhibiting large values of dielectric constant (ε′) with suitable thermal stability and low dielectric constant values of polymer blend, having lesser thermal stability, together offer significant advantages in electronic packaging and other such applications in different fields. In this review paper, we focused on the key factors affecting the dielectric properties and its strength in thin film of inorganic materials loaded poly methyl meth acrylate (PMMA) based polymer blend (single phase) or composites (multiple phase), and its consequences at low and high frequencies are explored. A wide range of different types of PMMA based polymer blends or composites, which are doped with different fillers, have been synthesized with specific tailoring of their dielectric behavior and properties. A few of them are discussed in this manuscript, with their different preparation techniques, and exploring new ideas for modified materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites Reinforced with Natural Fibers and Nanofillers)

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32 pages, 7868 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review of Rubber Biocomposites Reinforced with Lignocellulosic Fillers

by Hossein Kazemi, Frej Mighri and Denis Rodrigue

J. Compos. Sci. 2022, 6(7), 183; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs6070183 - 22 Jun 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4576

Abstract

Lignocellulosic fillers have attracted considerable attention over the years as a promising alternative to conventional petroleum-based fillers (carbon black) in rubber composites due to their renewability, biodegradability, availability, high mechanical properties, low density and low cost. Based on the literature available, a comprehensive [...] Read more.

Lignocellulosic fillers have attracted considerable attention over the years as a promising alternative to conventional petroleum-based fillers (carbon black) in rubber composites due to their renewability, biodegradability, availability, high mechanical properties, low density and low cost. Based on the literature available, a comprehensive review is presented here of rubber biocomposites reinforced with plant-based fillers. The study is divided into different sections depending on the matrix (natural or synthetic rubber) and the type of lignocellulosic fillers (natural fiber, microcrystalline cellulose, lignin and nanocellulose). This review focuses on the curing characteristics, mechanical properties and dynamic mechanical properties of the resulting rubber biocomposites. In addition, the effect of hybrid filler systems, lignocellulosic filler surface modification and modification of the rubber matrix on the properties of these rubber biocomposites are presented and compared. A conclusion is finally presented with some openings for future works. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites Reinforced with Natural Fibers and Nanofillers)

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