Mechanical and structural properties of a novel melt processed PET-hemp composite: Influence of additives and fibers concentration

作者：Talla A S Fotso^*; Mfoumou E; Jeson S; Page J S Y D; Erchiqui F

来源：Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites, 2013, 32(20): 1526-1533.

DOI：10.1177/0731684413494108

• High melting
• poly-ethylene terephthalate
• hemp
• compounding
• torque
• pyromellitic dianhydride
• clay
• glycidyl methacrylate
• poly-epsilon-caprolactone

The mechanical and structural properties of novel melt processed poly-ethylene terephthalate (PET)-hemp fiber composites for engineering applications were investigated. First, four reinforcement formulations were compared with the PET modified with poly-epsilon-caprolactone: hemp, Clay/hemp, pyromellitic dianhydride/hemp and glycidyl methacrylate/hemp. Next, the effect of hemp fibers concentration as well as the effect of heat treatment was analyzed. A significant difference was observed in the mechanical and structural properties of the composites. Moreover, we observed a good fiber-matrix interface without the use of a coupling agent, particularly in the absence of additives. Our data suggest that a careful trade-off between the additives, the hemp fiber concentration and the desired engineering applications is key requirement for the applications of high melting polymers-reinforced with natural fibers.

• 出版日期2013-10