Processing and properties of short wood fiber/acrylate resin composites

Abstract

Short wood fibers (SWF) and a water based and formaldehyde free cross linking acrylate resin have been used to produce bulk biocomposites, as a possible material for automotive and friction applications. SWFs of 200-400 mm in length were mixed with the resin in various proportions (40-60 wt%) using a kneading device. The mixture was dried in an oven and later cured in a hot press. Two curing cycles were used for this study: (a) curing at a temperature of 1508C and a pressure of 70 bar and (b) curing at 1708C and a pressure of 80 bar. Various morphological features, flexural and thermal properties, density, and specific wear rate under sliding against smooth steel were examined. Results show that increase in fiber weight fraction led to increase in tensile strength when the material was processed with 1708C and a pressure of 80 bar. Composites with 60 wt% SWF processed with 1708C and a pressure of 80 bar exhibited the highest flexural strength (64 MPa) and flexural modulus (7.2 GPa). Composites processed at lower temperature and pressure (1508C and 70 bar) are found to possess inferior mechanical properties compared with those processed at higher temperature and pressure (1708C and 80 bar). This composite also possessed a nearly stable storage modulus up to 508C. All composites showed specific wear rate between 10 25 and 10 26 mm 3 /(Nm) and a very high friction coefficient of l 5 1.25 against smooth steel surfaces. SEM images revealed that there is a very good interfacial adhesion between the fibers and the matrix. POLYM. COMPOS., 00:000-000,

Process design for performance improvement in purely ecofriendly composites for structural applications

“…The changes in viscoelastic behavior are attributed to the increase in molecular mobility with increasing temperature. The three‐stage behavior is typical for fully crosslinked thermosetting polymer/fiber composites and has been reported by many researchers . For RWF‐filled composite (Figure ), the storage modulus is strongly dependent on the filler fraction.…”

“…On the other hand, the use of short wood fibers is known to enhance crosslinking of thermosetting polymers leading to improved properties . This is because an increase in surface area leads to an increase in surface reactivity of the fillers.…”

“…Thermal properties of the composites were measured according to the procedure in Akpan et al 11 Measurements were carried out on 10-15 mg samples in an aluminum pan and heated from 25 to 600 C with a heating rate of 10 C/min in a nitrogen atmosphere, using a gas purge rate of 30 mL/min. Thermogravimetric (TG) and differential thermogravimetric curves were plotted from the results.…”

“…Composites produced with this resin using natural fibers have been found to possess mechanical and physical properties suitable for parts such as internal door trims, seat‐back trims, dashboard supports, rear shelves, and so forth . Application of these composites can be extended to underbody panels, wheel wells, and underhood components .…”

“…7,9 Composites produced with this resin using natural fibers have been found to possess mechanical and physical properties suitable for parts such as internal door trims, seat-back trims, dashboard supports, rear shelves, and so forth. 7,8,[11][12][13][14][15] Application of these composites can be extended to underbody panels, wheel wells, and underhood components. 1,2 Previous studies on the resin were focused basically on automotive inner doors and furniture applications using long woven and nonwoven natural fibres.…”