Effect of polypropylene and polyvinyl alcohol fibers on characteristics and microstructure of polymer composite

Abstract

This study aims to assess the mechanical properties of polymer composite (PC) reinforced by introducing two types of synthetic fibers including polypropylene (PP) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The optimum amount of resin was evaluated through mechanical tests. Then, selected fibers were added to the optimum mix in three fractions (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%) by the weight of the binder. Various properties of PC which are density, compressive strength, flexural strength, modulus of elastic, and water absorption were appraised for all mix combinations after different curing times (1, 3, 7, and 28 days) beside scanning electron microscopy analysis for microstructure observation. Experimental outcomes revealed that by rising the PP fiber content, the mechanical strengths of fiber-reinforced polymer composite (FRPC) were ameliorated, where compressive and flexural strength grew 58.14% and 78.31%, respectively, at the highest fiber ratio (1.5%) compared with the plain PC. On the other hand, PC reinforced by PVA fibers represented an inverse behavior that by ascending the fiber fraction, reduction in the properties of FRPC observed.

Response of extreme environmental aging on the novel Moringa stenopetala husk fiber/epoxy composites: Understanding the characteristics and thermokinetic behavior

“…[ 1 ] Throughout production and use, conventional metallic alloys and manufactured materials like synthetic fibers and polymers are typically accountable for releasing harmful gases like CO 2 and methane. [ 2 ] In this situation, academicians and researchers are considering using bio‐composites, eco‐sustainable products, as substitutes for metallic alloys and other synthetic products. [ 3 ] Bio‐composites are cheap, ultralight, and structurally effective composites with acceptable mechanical characteristics.…”