PRODUCTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CONTINUOUS E-GLASS FIBER REINFORCED POLYPROPYLENE COMPOSITES

Abstract

In today's applications of composite materials, they are expected to have low density and high corrosion resistance with high strength. Because of the fact, thermosetting polymers are used in production of plastic matrix composites. However, in the recent times the idea of using thermoplastic matrix composites is spread because lightweight constructions are now in the focus. The reason of this is the advantages of thermoplastics such as lower density, higher chemical resistance, high strain and recyclability. In this study, polypropylene (PP), a kind of thermoplastic polymer, matrix composites were produced with continuous roving E-glass reinforcement. Maleic anhydride based two compatibilizers with different melt flow and tensile strength specifications applied to improve the bonding between e-glass fiber and polypropylene matrix of PP matrix composites. Produced composites were both mechanically and physically tested. After tensile test was done for mechanical characterization, tensile strength values were determined and fracture shapes were observed. For physical characterization, composites samples were calcinated in order to determine effect of fiber volume ratio. As a result, the application of bonding adhesive increased the strength of composite by 65%, and the increase in wetting and bonding effect on reinforcement was observed in stereo light microscope photographs.