# Optimizing the performance of natural fiber reinforced plastics composites: influence of combined optimization paths on microstructure and mechanical properties

> Title: Optimizing the performance of natural fiber reinforced plastics composites: influence of combined optimization paths on microstructure and mechanical properties Page Range: p.535-544 Author(s): Toupe J L; Desire Yomeni Chimeni; Trokourey A; Rodrigue D File size: Download the pdf (subscribers only) Buy...

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Published: 2015-08-01T00:00:00+00:00
Categories: Polymers and Polymer Composites

**Title: Optimizing the performance of natural fiber reinforced plastics composites: influence of combined optimization paths on microstructure and mechanical properties**
 Page Range: p.535-544
 Author(s): Toupe J L; Desire Yomeni Chimeni; Trokourey A; Rodrigue D
 File size:
 ![](http://dload.gif) [Download the pdf](http://journals.asp?Page=111&JournalDownload=ON&JournalType=ppc&JournalIssue=ppc23-8&JournalID=102571&JIP=) (subscribers only)
 ![](http://handbuy.gif) Buy the pdf (non-subscribers)
 Journal: Polymers and Polymer Composites
 Issue Year: ppc
 Volume: 23
 Issue No: No.8

**Abstract**
 This study investigated the combination of two different optimisation paths (phase compatibilisation and manufacturing process optimisation) on the microstructure (fibre dimensions, matrix crystallinity and matrix molecular properties) and mechanical properties (flexural and tensile moduli, impact strength, and tensile stress at yield) of flax fibre/postconsumer recycled plastic composites. A two-step optimisation methodology was adopted. First, the material composition was optimised by phase compatibilisation using maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAPP) and maleic anhydride grafted ethylene octene metallocene copolymer (EO-gMAH) as additives. Then, the manufacturing process (extrusion followed by injection) was optimised in terms of temperature profile and screw speed for extrusion, as well as barrel temperature profile, mould temperature, injection speed, injection pressure, injection time and back pressure for injection. The results showed that, besides good fibre-matrix interfacial adhesion, the combination of both optimisation paths promoted an optimum balance between components degradation and composite homogeneity (good fibre and additives dispersion in the matrix), leading to better mechanical properties. It is shown that this optimisation procedure was able to improve all the mechanical properties of the composites, as well as being effective in terms of performance and costs. 57 Refs.

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