Structure and resultant mechanical and tribological performance of PP/PLA/carbon fiber/ethylene-butyl acrylate composites

Abstract

The aim of this study is to put forth the synergistic effect of carbon fiber reinforcement and ethylene-butyl acrylate compatibilization on the mechanical and wear performance of polypropylene/poly(lactic acid) blend composites and to find an inspiration about their availability for diverse applications as stronger renewable composites. Crystalline morphologies are greatly affected by these concentrations. Synergistic inclusion of both poly(lactic acid) and ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymer in polypropylene matrix was found to effectively enhance the nucleation of β-crystals which may provide secondary mechanism of reinforcement. Despite the island-sea type immiscible morphology, ethylene-butyl acrylate incorporation offered potential toughening effect for polypropylene/poly(lactic acid) system due to its ethylene molecules which have more flexibility and an elongation than poly(lactic acid). As expected, the increase in carbon fiber concentration in the composites indicated a positive correlation with mechanical test results. However, contrary to ethylene-butyl acrylate compatibilization, high rigidity obtained by carbon fiber contribution was not beneficial from the abrasive wear resistance point of view, due to repeated ploughing effect of the counterpart material.