The Effect of SEBS/Halloysite Masterbatch Obtained in Different Extrusion Conditions on the Properties of Hybrid Polypropylene/Glass Fiber Composites for Auto Parts

Abstract

Masterbatches from a linear poly[styrene-b-(ethylene-co-butylene)-b-styrene] (SEBS) and halloysite nanotubes (HNT-QM) were obtained in different conditions of temperature and shear using two co-rotating twin-screw extruders. The influence of screw configuration and melt processing conditions on the morpho-structural, thermal and mechanical properties of masterbatches at macro and nanoscale was studied. A good dispersion of halloysite nanotubes and better thermal stability and tensile and nanomechanical properties were obtained at a lower temperature profile and higher screw speed. The effect of masterbatches, the best and worst alternatives, on the properties of a polypropylene (PP)–glass fiber (GF) composite was also evaluated. Double hardness, tensile strength and modulus and four times higher impact strength were obtained for PP/GF composites containing masterbatches compared to pristine PP. However, the masterbatch with the best properties led further to enhanced mechanical properties of the PP/GF composite. A clear difference between the effects of the two masterbatches was obtained by nanoindentation and nanoscratch tests. These analyses proved to be useful for the design of polymer composites for automotive parts, such as bumpers or door panels. This study demonstrated that setting-up the correct processing conditions is very important to obtain the desired properties for automotive applications.

Influence of HNT-ZnO Nanofillers on the Performance of Epoxy Resin Composites for Marine Applications

“…The peak identified at ~910 cm −1 is observed in the FTIR spectra of samples S1-S3 and is associated with Si-O bending vibrations [27]. The peaks located at ~1010/1032 cm −1 and ~1110 cm −1 are attributed to the OH deformation of inner hydroxyl groups from Al-OH and to the Si-O bonds (in-plane and perpendicular stretching vibrations), respectively [37]. The peaks located at 467 cm −1 , 528 cm −1 and ~436 cm −1 are attributed to Si-O-Si bond bending vibrations and to the Si-O-Si deformation band [38,39].…”

Tension and Shear Behaviour of Basalt Fiber Bio-Composites with Digital Image Correlation and Acoustic Emission Monitoring

“…High-performance fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) stand out as pivotal composite materials across diverse structural applications in industries like aerospace, marine, automotive, and sports [1][2][3][4][5]. Basalt fibers are relatively novel reinforcement materials in composite fabrication [6,7].…”

The Effect of Thermoplastic Elastomer and Fly Ash on the Properties of Polypropylene Composites with Long Glass Fibers

“…The results showed an increase in toughness, expressed by an increase in energy at break and impact strength values, as well as an increase in elongation. Another study [21] investigated the effect of SEBS-halloysite masterbatch on the properties of hybrid polypropylene-glass fiber composites under optimal processing conditions. Improved hardness, modulus, tensile strength and impact strength were obtained for the polypropylene-chopped glass fiber composites containing masterbatches compared to pristine PP.…”