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Fiber-Reinforced Polymer-Based Composites: Processing, Characterization and Performance

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A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Composites and Nanocomposites".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 May 2022) | Viewed by 60476

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Dr. Frederic Lortie

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Laboratoire Ingénierie des Matériaux Polymères, CNRS UMR 5223, INSA Lyon, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
Interests: thermosets chemical-physic; chemorheology; reactive processing; polymer-based composite
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Prof. Dr. Jannick Duchet-Rumeau

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Laboratoire Ingénierie des Matériaux Polymères (UMR 5223), INSA Lyon, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
Interests: processing of nanocomposites materials; processing of mesoporous materials with the use of carbon dioxide in supercritical medium as a foaming agent; processing of self-assembled materials onto inorganic surfaces with the use of phase separation phenomena in polymer blends and of self-organization phenomena (nanolithography, optical properties, etc.); processing of nanomaterials from ionic liquids; tailoring of interfaces/interphases in heterogeneous materials: polymer blends and fiber based composites
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Prof. Dr. Jean-François Gérard

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Laboratoire Ingénierie des Matériaux Polymères, CNRS UMR 5223, INSA Lyon, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
Interests: chemical-physic of interfaces; polymer adhesion; nanostructured materials; polymer-based composite
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Special Issue Information

Fiber-reinforced polymer-based composites constitute an important class of materials for semistructural or structural applications in numerous industrial sectors (transport, energy, civil engineering, sport, etc.). Historically involved organic matrices are thermosets (such as epoxies, unsaturated polyesters, phenolics, and bismaleimides), but more recent efforts have been paid toward the development of performant thermoplastic-based composites (such as acrylics, polyamides, PEEK, and PEKK). Reinforcement is brought on by short or continuous fibers which can be of various natures (glass, basalt, carbon, hemp, etc.) and may be combined as hybrid fabrics.

There is still room for improvement in polymer-based composites performances, for instance, in terms of damage tolerance or to include additional functionalities like electrical conductivity. The processing and assembly of dissimilar composites (e.g., thermoset/thermoplastic) is also a key challenge.

Progress can be achieved on the organic matrix through new petroleum- or bio-based chemistries, the introduction of inorganic/organic particles or the design of multiphasic materials. The polymer/fiber interphase is also a key component to be investigated and improved: Composite performances are strongly conditioned by interfacial adhesion and toughness which depend on fiber sizing chemistry and physics, on interphase chemical composition, as well as on fiber impregnation quality. Processing steps must also be optimized in terms of efficiency and quality by designing new unreactive or reactive routes, and new semiproducts and processing tools.

In this Special Issue dedicated to “Fiber-Reinforced Polymer-Based Composites: Processing, Characterization and Performance”, we kindly invite you to submit scientific contributions which report on recent progresses in the field described above.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Frederic Lortie
Prof. Dr. Jannick Duchet-Rumeau
Prof. Dr. Jean-François Gérard

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Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

thermoset-based composite
thermoplastic-based composite
dissimilar composite
composite processing
reactive processing
fiber sizing
polymer–fiber interphase

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 6415 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Short Glass Fibre Reinforcement on Mechanical Properties of 3D Printed ABS-Based Polymer Composites

by Mohan Kumar H. R., Maha Gundappa M. Benal, Pradeep Kumar G. S., Vijay Tambrallimath, Geetha H.R., T. M. Yunus Khan, Ali A. Rajhi and Maughal Ahmed Ali Baig

Polymers 2022, 14(6), 1182; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14061182 - 16 Mar 2022

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 4640

Abstract

One of the most promising and widely used additive manufacturing technologies, fused deposition modelling (FDM), is based on material extrusion and is most commonly used for producing thermoplastic parts for functional applications with the objectives of low cost, minimal waste and ease of material conversion. Considering that pure thermoplastic materials have a significantly poor mechanical performance, it is necessary to enhance the mechanical properties of thermoplastic parts generated using FDM technology. One of the conceivable techniques is to incorporate reinforcing materials such as short glass fibre (SGF) into the thermoplastic matrix in order to produce a polymer composite that can be used in engineering applications, such as structural applications. The morphological and mechanical properties of SGF (short glass fibre) reinforced ABS- (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) based polymer composites created via the method of FDM (fused deposition modelling) were investigated in this work. Properties were evaluated at three different weight percentages (0, 15 and 30 wt%). The composite filaments were developed using the process of twin screw extrusion. The comparison was made between ABS + SGF (short glass fibre) composites and pure ABS of mechanical properties that include surface roughness, tensile strength and low-velocity impact. The tests were carried out to analyze the properties as per ASTM standards. It has been found that the impact strength and tensile strength show an improvement in glass fibre inclusion; moreover, alongside the direction of build, the surface roughness had been reduced. The studies also focused on studying the dispersion characters of SGF in ABS matrix and its impact on the properties. Strength and modulus of SGF reinforced ABS composite has been significantly improved along with reduction of ductility. A 57% increase in tensile strength has been noted for 30 wt% addition of SGF to ABS in comparison to pure ABS. It was also interesting to note the reduction in surface roughness with every incremental addition of SGF to ABS. A 40% reduction in surface roughness has been observed with a 30 wt% addition of SGF to ABS in comparison to pure ABS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber-Reinforced Polymer-Based Composites: Processing, Characterization and Performance)

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10 pages, 2774 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effectiveness and Productivity Improvement of Conventional Pultrusion Processes

by Evgeny Barkanov, Pavel Akishin and Endija Namsone-Sile

Polymers 2022, 14(4), 841; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14040841 - 21 Feb 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2498

Abstract

Pultrusion is a technological process in which fibers impregnated with resin move through the heated die and solidify into a composite profile with a constant cross section, as in the metallic die. The effectiveness and productivity of conventional pultrusion processes, preserving the quality of pultruded profiles, could be improved by process optimization or by the application of new, effective heating sources instead of electrical resistances with high heat losses. Due to the large dimension of the numerical problem and multiple iterations applied for the solution of government equations, an optimization methodology was developed, using the method of experimental design and the response surface technique. To develop microwave-assisted pultrusion processes, as well as pultrusion tooling design and process control, new effective electromagnetic-thermo-chemical finite element models and algorithms were developed by using general-purpose finite element software that results in considerable savings in development time and costs and makes available various modeling features of the finite element packages. The effectiveness and productivity of the optimized conventional pultrusion processes and the developed microwave-assisted pultrusion processes are estimated in comparison with the real pultrusion processes used in laboratory and industrial shops. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber-Reinforced Polymer-Based Composites: Processing, Characterization and Performance)

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27 pages, 11601 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Real and Simulated Fiber Orientations in Injection Molded Short Glass Fiber Reinforced Polyamide by X-ray Microtomography

by Rafał Żurawik, Julia Volke, Jan-Christoph Zarges and Hans-Peter Heim

Polymers 2022, 14(1), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14010029 - 22 Dec 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3324

Abstract

During injection molding of short glass fiber reinforced composites, a complex structure is formed due to the fiber movement. The resulting fiber orientation can be predicted using various simulation models. However, the models are known to have inadequacies andthe influence of process and model parameters is not clearly and comprehensively described. In this study, the aforementioned model and process parameters are investigated to determine the dependencies of the individual influences on the real and simulated fiber orientation. For this purpose, specimens are injection molded at different process parameters. Representative regions of the specimens are measured using X-ray microtomography and dynamic image analysis to determine the geometric properties of the fibers as well as their orientations. Furthermore, simulations are performed with the simulation software Moldflow^® using different mesh types and densities as well as varying parameters of the MRD model to represent the real fiber orientations. The results show that different orientation areas arise in the samples, which cannot be represented with a simulation varying only one parameter. Several simulations must be carried out in order to represent flow regions occurring in the specimen as realistically as possible. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber-Reinforced Polymer-Based Composites: Processing, Characterization and Performance)

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23 pages, 8133 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study of Allowable Interlaminar Normal Stress Based on the Time–Temperature Equivalence Principle in Automated Fiber Placement Process

by Rui Xiao, Jiaqi Shi and Jun Xiao

Polymers 2021, 13(23), 4180; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13234180 - 29 Nov 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2058

Abstract

Automatic fiber placement (AFP) is a type of labor-saving automatic technology for forming composite materials that are widely used in aviation and other fields. In this process, concave surface delamination is a common defect, as existing research on the conditions for this defect to occur is insufficient. To predict the occurrence of this defect, the concept of allowable interlaminar normal stress is proposed to define its occurrence conditions, and based on this concept, probe tests are carried out using the principle of time–temperature equivalence. Through the laying speed/allowable normal stress curve measured in the probe experiment, the physical meaning of allowable normal stress is discussed. At the same time, the measured curve is quantitatively analyzed, combined with viscoelastic theory and the molecular diffusion reptation model, and the dominating effect in the formation of a metal/prepreg layer and prepreg/prepreg layer is determined. Finally, the experimental data are used to guide the parameter selection in an automatic placement engineering case and prove its correctness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber-Reinforced Polymer-Based Composites: Processing, Characterization and Performance)

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16 pages, 2837 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dry Fibre Placement: The Influence of Process Parameters on Mechanical Laminate Properties and Infusion Behaviour

by Benjamin Grisin, Stefan Carosella and Peter Middendorf

Polymers 2021, 13(21), 3853; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13213853 - 8 Nov 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3011

Abstract

Within the dry fibre placement (DFP) process, spread and pre-bindered carbon fibre rovings are automatically processed into dry textile preforms using 2-D and 3-D laying systems. The aim was to automate existing hand lay-up processes, reducing the complexity, increasing robustness, and facilitating the handling of the DFP technology. Process reliability, low waste rates, and flexible production are demonstrated. In this publication, the influences of the process parameters, 2 mm wide gaps and the percentage of 90° plies in the laminate, are investigated with regard to the mechanical properties, the permeability, and the infusion times in the preform z-direction (thickness). The effects on stiffness and strength are compared for several use cases. An approach to determine the infusion times as a function of the laminate thickness, the ply structure, and 2 mm wide gaps is demonstrated and analysed using vacuum-assisted process (VAP) infusion tests. The investigations are performed with carbon fibre tows (24 k), a reactive epoxy-based binder system, and a thermoset infusion resin system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber-Reinforced Polymer-Based Composites: Processing, Characterization and Performance)

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19 pages, 3870 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Valorization of Date Palm Waste for Plastic Reinforcement: Macro and Micromechanics of Flexural Strength

by Chihaoui Belgacem, Ferran Serra-Parareda, Quim Tarrés, Pere Mutjé, Marc Delgado-Aguilar and Sami Boufi

Polymers 2021, 13(11), 1751; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13111751 - 27 May 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2801

Abstract

Date palm waste is an abundant agricultural residue in Tunisia and can be used for plastic reinforcement. Moreover, its use in plastic composites can help to reduce dependence on fossil resources for material production. In this work, the valorization of date palm residues was studied by employing high-yield processes following mechanical, chemical, and enzymatical treatments. Fibers obtained by soft chemical treatment with sodium hydroxide and enzymatic treatment with xylanases and pectinases were evaluated for their use in the reinforcement of plastic materials. The flexural strength property, truly relevant for structural, construction, automotive, or other market sectors, was adopted to assess the reinforcing potential of the fibers. Polypropylene was effectively reinforced with date palm fibers (60 wt.%), exhibiting a flexural strength increases of 80% (73.1 MPa), 93% (78.5 MPa), and 106% (83.9 MPa) for mechanical, chemical, and enzymatic fibers, respectively. The different treatments had an impact on the chemical composition of the fibers, and by extension on the final properties of the composites. The holocellulose content could provide good interfacial adhesion using a coupling agent, whereas the lignin content improved the dispersion of the phases. Two interesting outcomes were that the flexural performance of enzymatic fibers was like that of wood composites, whereas the specific flexural strength was comparable to that of glass fiber composites. Overall, the present work has shown the potential behind date palm waste in the composite sector when a specific property or application is desired. Novel treatments have been used for greater fiber compatibility, increasing the sustainability of the process, and improving the applicability of the palm residue. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber-Reinforced Polymer-Based Composites: Processing, Characterization and Performance)

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21 pages, 734 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Direct Joule Heating as a Means to Efficiently and Homogeneously Heat Thermoplastic Prepregs

by Jochen Wellekötter and Christian Bonten

Polymers 2020, 12(12), 2959; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12122959 - 11 Dec 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3701

Abstract

Although direct Joule heating is a known technique for heating carbon fiber reinforced plastics, it is a yet unexplored heating method for thermoplastic prepregs before back-injection molding. The knowledge obtained from resistance welding, for example, is not directly transferable because of considerably higher heated volumes and more complex shapes. In this study, the governing parameters and process limits are established for this method. The influences of the contacting, the materials used, and the size of the heated part are investigated with respect to the part temperature and heating efficiency. The findings show that the quality of heating is determined by the shape and size of the electrodes. Larger electrodes lead to a more homogeneous temperature distribution. Parts based on woven fabric can be heated more homogeneously because of the existence of intersections between rovings, generating contact between fibers. An increase in part width results in uneven heating behavior. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber-Reinforced Polymer-Based Composites: Processing, Characterization and Performance)

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13 pages, 6055 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Basalt Fiber Modified Ethylene Vinyl Acetate/Magnesium Hydroxide Composites with Balanced Flame Retardancy and Improved Mechanical Properties

by Dongwei Yao, Guangzhong Yin, Qingqing Bi, Xu Yin, Na Wang and De-Yi Wang

Polymers 2020, 12(9), 2107; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12092107 - 16 Sep 2020

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 3632

Abstract

In this study, we selected basalt fiber (BF) as a functional filler to improve the mechanical properties of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)-based flame retardant materials. Firstly, BF was modified by grafting γ-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (KH550). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were used to comprehensively prove the successful modification of the BF surface. Subsequently, the modified BF was introduced into the EVA/magnesium hydroxide (MH) composites by melt blending. The limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL-94, cone calorimeter test, tensile test, and non-notched impact test were utilized to characterize both the flame retardant properties and mechanical properties of the EVA/MH composites. It was found that the mechanical properties were significantly enhanced without reducing the flame retardant properties of the EVA/MH composites. Notably, the surface treatment with silane is a simple and low-cost method for BF surface modification and the pathway designed in this study can be both practical and effective for polymer performance enhancement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber-Reinforced Polymer-Based Composites: Processing, Characterization and Performance)

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Review

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38 pages, 93098 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review on Green Composites Based on Natural Fiber-Reinforced Polybutylene Succinate (PBS)

by Mokgaotsa J. Mochane, Sifiso I. Magagula, Jeremia S. Sefadi and Teboho C. Mokhena

Polymers 2021, 13(8), 1200; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13081200 - 8 Apr 2021

Cited by 80 | Viewed by 10027

Abstract

The need for utilization of environmentally friendly materials has emerged due to environmental pollution that is caused by non-biodegradable materials. The usage of non-biodegradable plastics has increased in the past decades in many industries, and, as a result, the generation of non-biodegradable plastic wastes has also increased. To solve the problem of non-biodegradable plastic wastes, there is need for fabrication of bio-based polymers to replace petroleum-based polymers and provide strategic plans to reduce the production cost of bioplastics. One of the emerging bioplastics in the market is poly (butylene succinate) (PBS) and it has been the biopolymer of choice due to its biodegradability and environmental friendliness. However, there are some disadvantages associated with PBS such as high cost, low gas barrier properties, and softness. To lower the cost of PBS and enhance its properties, natural lignocellulosic fibers are incorporated into the PBS matrix, to form environmentally friendly composites. Natural fiber-based biocomposites have emerged as materials of interest in important industries such as packaging, automobile, and construction. The bonding between the PBS and natural fibers is weak, which is a major problem for advanced applications of this system. As a result, this review paper discusses various methods that are employed for surface modification of the Fibers The paper provides an in-depth discussion on the preparation, modification, and morphology of the natural fiber-reinforced polybutylene succinate biocomposites. Furthermore, because the preparation as well as the modification of the fiber-reinforced biocomposites have an influence on the mechanical properties of the biocomposites, mechanical properties of the biocomposites are also discussed. The applications of the natural fiber/PBS biocomposites for different systems are also reported. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber-Reinforced Polymer-Based Composites: Processing, Characterization and Performance)

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42 pages, 7768 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review on Natural Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite for Bullet Proof and Ballistic Applications

by N. M. Nurazzi, M. R. M. Asyraf, A. Khalina, N. Abdullah, H. A. Aisyah, S. Ayu Rafiqah, F. A. Sabaruddin, S. H. Kamarudin, M. N. F. Norrrahim, R. A. Ilyas and S. M. Sapuan

Polymers 2021, 13(4), 646; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13040646 - 22 Feb 2021

Cited by 262 | Viewed by 23406

Abstract

Even though natural fiber reinforced polymer composites (NFRPCs) have been widely used in automotive and building industries, there is still a room to promote them to high-level structural applications such as primary structural component specifically for bullet proof and ballistic applications. The promising performance of Kevlar fabrics and aramid had widely implemented in numerous ballistic and bullet proof applications including for bullet proof helmets, vest, and other armor parts provides an acceptable range of protection to soldiers. However, disposal of used Kevlar products would affect the disruption of the ecosystem and pollutes the environment. Replacing the current Kevlar fabric and aramid in the protective equipment with natural fibers with enhanced kinetic energy absorption and dissipation has been significant effort to upgrade the ballistic performance of the composite structure with green and renewable resources. The vast availability, low cost and ease of manufacturing of natural fibers have grasped the attention of researchers around the globe in order to study them in heavy armory equipment and high durable products. The possibility in enhancement of natural fiber’s mechanical properties has led the extension of research studies toward the application of NFRPCs for structural and ballistic applications. Hence, this article established a state-of-the-art review on the influence of utilizing various natural fibers as an alternative material to Kevlar fabric for armor structure system. The article also focuses on the effect of layering and sequencing of natural fiber fabric in the composites to advance the current armor structure system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber-Reinforced Polymer-Based Composites: Processing, Characterization and Performance)

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