Comparative Study of the Effects of Different Fibers on the Processing and Properties of Polypropylene Matrix Composites

Abstract

The effects of different types of fibers on the physical and mechanical behavior of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) are reported. In particular, the flow behavior, mechanical properties (tensile, flexural and impact resistance) and morphology are examined. It has been found that all the fibers studied behave as effective reinforcing agents for the polypropylene matrix. In fact, a notable increase of the mechanical properties is observed in presence of the fibers, the aramid ones being the most effective. Moreover, dynamic-mechanical measurements provide a further confirmation of the reinforcement effect of the fibers, where a sensible increment of the storage modulus in presence of the fibers is obtained. The morphology of the composites is analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A good fiber-matrix interfacial adhesion is observed, in particular, for aramid and glass fiber-reinforced composites. As expected, a good adhesion at the fiber-matrix interface gives rise to a sensible increment of composites properties.