Polymers and Polymer Composites

MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISATION OF NATURAL FIBRE REINFORCED THERMOPLASTICS (NFRTP) PROCESSED BY EXTRUSION, COMPRESSION AND ROTATIONAL MOULDING

August 1, 2004 By: Torres F G; Diaz R M Research article

Title: MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISATION OF NATURAL FIBRE REINFORCED THERMOPLASTICS (NFRTP) PROCESSED BY EXTRUSION, COMPRESSION AND ROTATIONAL MOULDING
Page Range: p.705-718
Author(s): Torres F G; Diaz R M
File size: 661K
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Journal: Polymers and Polymer Composites
Issue Year: ppc
Volume: 12
Issue No: No. 8

Abstract
A methodology is described for applying conventional morphological characterisation techniques to some of the manufacturing processes of natural fibre reinforced thermoplastics (NFRTP). The composites studied consisted of matrices of PP or PE, and of discrete jute, sisal and other natural fibres as reinforcement. Various microscopic techniques were used to characterise the processing stages and the structure-property relationships during the manufacture of NFRTPs using single-screw extrusion, compression and rotational moulding. Attention was focussed on the fibre length distributions, fibre orientation and overall fibre dispersion in the matrix. In addition, transcrystallinity in the case of PP/sisal and PP/jute composites is also reported. The characterisation procedures described are related to the manufacturing processes studied in each case, and it is suggested that some or all of the techniques described could be implemented as quality control procedures in the manufacture of products using NFRTPs. 30 refs.


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