A Novel Route to Modify the Interface of Glass Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Resin Composite via Bacterial Cellulose

Introducing cellulose nanocrystals in sheet molding compounds (SMC)

“…The CNC can be introduced to GF/epoxy composites by (i) dispersing them into the epoxy matrix before mixing with the GF [27], where the homogeneously dispersed CNC yield a polymer matrix with better apparent mechanical properties, (ii) coating the GF prior to mixing the GF with the epoxy resin [28,29], where the CNC coating modifies the GF/epoxy interphase and subsequently improves the properties of the hybrid composites and (iii) combination of (i) and (ii). However, adopting these techniques for high volume production of composites through conventional manufacturing processes requires additional work, including finding low cost and adaptable techniques to disperse hydrophilic CNC into mainly hydrophobic polymers used in automotive composites (e.g.…”

Improving the interfacial and mechanical properties of short glass fiber/epoxy composites by coating the glass fibers with cellulose nanocrystals

“…As shown in Figure 1a, 1b, a thin layer of CNC is deposited on the GF surface as a result of physical absorption (e.g. hydrogen bonding of the accessible -OH side groups on the CNC surface as described in Chen et al [25]). Of interest is how the CNC coated the chopped GF rovings, as well as individual GF within the rovings.…”

“…A good review on tailoring interphase through coating the fibers in polymer composites can be found in [24]. Chen et al [25] deposited bacterial cellulose (BC) on the surface of GF during the process of fermentation. The BC coated GF were subsequently compounded into epoxy, where the increase in the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of BC coated GF/ epoxy interface was attributed to the increase in interfacial surface roughness and area, and chemical bonding between the BC coating and the epoxy matrix.…”

Improved mechanical properties of epoxy-based composites with hyperbranched polymer grafting glass-fiber

“…For the pristine glassfiber, the band at 981 cm À1 results from nonbridging (terminal SiO -groups). [28] For silanized glass-fiber, GF-APS, the sharp bands at 797 and 1067 cm À1 are associated with Si-O and-OH stretching, respectively. And the weak band at 1614 cm À1 Figure 1.…”

“…Because of this nature, an incompatibility between the fiber and matrix exists, which decreases the properties of the composite. This defect can be overcome by chemical modification of fiber surface so as to make it strong adhesive . S. P. Lin revealed that plasma surface treatment and chemical agent treatment could improve interfacial adhesion between UHMWPE fiber and epoxy matrix and slight enhanced tensile strength but notable decreased the elongation.…”