Investigating the influence of plasma treated polyethylene powder, carbon fibers in enhancing the mechanical properties of polymer composites using rotomoulding method

Abstract

In this research, rotomoulded samples of polyethylene (PE) were mechanically tested to find better applications. The mold was kept in an oven at 260 C with forced convection. Total fabrication time depended on peak internal air temperature (PIAT) used with 200, 220 and 240 C to confirm the fabrication conditions. The plasma treatment of PE and recycled carbon fiber (CF) was used for the improvement of properties. Maximum tensile strength (TS) of 23.1 MPa was observed in 10 wt% CF/PE composites. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) results revealed good mechanical interlocking with higher chemical interaction of carbon fiber of up to 10 wt% with plasma polyethylene leading to good mechanical properties in the composites. Flexural strength (FS) of 19.98-26.02 MPa in the properties was observed plasma treated in the PE with CF (3-10 wt%) combination. Agglomeration in the carbon fiber lowered flexural properties of 13, 15 wt% filler with both plasma and non-plasma PE. The CF (3-10 wt%) with plasma PE showed enhanced impact strength (IS) from 6.84 to 8.64 KJ/m 2 . Maximum TS, FS and IS were observed with peak internal air temperature (PIAT) of 200 C. Surface images showed even distribution of fiber and resin in the plasma treated matrix in 5 wt% CF combinations. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results do not show fluctuations in the melting and crystallization temperatures of the samples after plasma treatment.

Improve the interfacial properties of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy resin composites by maleimide‐modified waterborne polyurethane sizing agent

“…Carbon fibers (CF) are widely used in modern industry by virtue of their high specific modulus, specific strength, and other excellent properties, including in aerospace, energy, sports equipment, automobile industry, and many other fields 1–6 . As a reinforcement, CF have been incorporated with various resins through different manufacturing technologies, including polyethylene, polyamide, bismaleimide resin, epoxy resin, and so forth 2,7–10 . For carbon fiber reinforced composite materials, good interfacial performance is significantly vital, since it plays a role in the effective load transfer between the CF and the resin matrix.…”

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6] As a reinforcement, CF have been incorporated with various resins through different manufacturing technologies, including polyethylene, polyamide, bismaleimide resin, epoxy resin, and so forth. 2,[7][8][9][10] For carbon fiber reinforced composite materials, good interfacial performance is significantly vital, since it plays a role in the effective load transfer between the CF and the resin matrix. However, when CF undergoes pre-oxidation, carbonization, and other production processes, the graphite crystallite structure usually preferentially orients along the CF axis, and the fiber surface shows inert characteristics.…”

Functionalization of graphenic surfaces by oxygen plasma toward enhanced wettability and cell adhesion: experiments corroborated by molecular modelling

“…21,24 The plasma treatment is considered to be advantageous, as it is an environmentally friendly technique, takes a short time for functionalization, and can be precisely controlled by adjusting working parameters (type of feed gas, pressure, power of the generator, and exposure time). The plasma modification proved to be useful for the functionalization of various polymeric biomaterials such as polyethylenes, 25 polycaprolactone, 26 poly(p-xylylenes), 27 and polyurethanes 28 to mention the most often investigated in terms of biomedical applications.…”

Surface modification of the Nylon 6,6 and wasted glass fiber‐Nylon 6.6 coatings using atmospheric plasma treatment

“…Sumesh et al improved the mechanical properties of recycled carbon‐polyethylene fiber through oxygen plasma treatment. Tensile strength improved by 10%, flexural strength, and impact strength by approximately 20% due to suitable mechanical interlock with increased chemical interaction 12 . The industrialization of the plasma process has expanded rapidly since it is a sustainable, relatively simple, clean, solvent‐free, fast, and environmentally friendly process.…”