Interfacial characterisation of flax fibre-thermoplastic polymer composites by the pull-out test

Abstract

The interface between flax fibres and thermoplastic polymer matrices has been investigated. Two types of flax fibres have been used: dew retted and upgraded Duralin fibres. The latter fibres have been treated by a novel treatment process for improved moisture and rot sensitivity. The apparent shear strength of dew-retted and upgraded Duralin fibres embedded in high and low density polyethylene, polypropylene and maleic anhydride modified polypropylene, respectively, has been calculated from the maximum force measured from the pull-out test using the Kelly-Tyson equation. Higher apparent shear strength values have been measured in the case of high density polyethylene. An improvement in the interfacial shear strength by the use of upgraded flax fibres has not been clearly observed. The curves of pull-out force versus displacement for all samples are typical of a brittle fracture mixed mode interface behaviour. The pull-out test of flax fibrepolymer matrices exhibit similar characteristics with the pull-out test of synthetic fibre-polymer systems.

Pull-out method for direct measuring the interfacial shear strength between short plant fibers and thermoplastic polymer composites (TPC)

“…The subsequent decrease in load indicates the change of friction force between the bamboo fiber and PP. This displacement load behavior is similar to those for PBO fibers (So and Young 2001), flax fibers (LópezManchado et al 2003), bamboo fiber bundles (Wong et al 2010), steel fibers (Hamoush et al 2010), and flax fiber-reinforced composites (Stamboulis et al 1999). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images ( Figure 3) provide further evidence as to why the fiber was prevented from quickly pulling out after point B.…”

Deformation micromechanics of model regenerated cellulose fibre-epoxy/polyester composites

“…Fibre composite properties, particularly the efficiency of stress transfer between the matrix and fibres, depends largely on the state of the interface between these two materials [1]. The interfacial properties of many model composite systems have been investigated, including in recent times flax [2][3][4], hemp [5], jute [6], ramie [7] and many others, although largely with thermoplastic resin systems. The techniques that have generally been employed to measure interfacial properties have been fragmentation and pull-out testing, the results of which have recently been extensively reviewed [8].…”

Interfacial bonding of Flax fibre/Poly(l-lactide) bio-composites

“…The strength of the interfacial bond depends on many parameters, including the surface energy, chemistry and roughness of the fibre. These parameters can be modified by different treatments [7][8][9]. The fibre-matrix bond can also be modified by addition of coupling agents [8,10].…”