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Polymers and Polymer Composites

SOLVENT UPTAKE AND ACCELERATED SOLAR AGING STUDIES OF COTTON-POLYPROPYLENE COMMINGLED COMPOSITE SYSTEMS

February 1, 2010 By: Tomlal J E; Thomas P C; Jayanarayanan K; Mathew J; Joseph K Research article

Title: SOLVENT UPTAKE AND ACCELERATED SOLAR AGING STUDIES OF COTTON-POLYPROPYLENE COMMINGLED COMPOSITE SYSTEMS
Page Range: p.103-112
Author(s): Tomlal J E; Thomas P C; Jayanarayanan K; Mathew J; Joseph K
File size: 371K
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Journal: Polymers and Polymer Composites
Issue Year: ppc
Volume: 18
Issue No: No.2

Abstract
The solvent absorption of cotton/PP side-by-side commingled composites in different solvents was studied, together with its variation with factors such as chemical treatments, temperature and fibre content, and the extent of tensile property deterioration by solar radiation in a solar light concentrator and by water diffusion. It was observed that, although cotton is highly hydrophilic, the diffusion was a matrix-dominated phenomenon. The extent of moisture absorption increased with the fibre content but decreased on treatment with maleic anhydride-modified PP. The former added a greater number of hydrophilic hydroxyl groups while the latter consumed them and enhanced the fibre-matrix interfacial adhesion. Increase in temperature accelerated the rate of moisture absorption and reduced the time required for equilibrium swelling. Exposure to sunlight in solar concentrator adversely affected the mechanical properties such as tensile strength and tensile modulus by weakening the fibre-matrix interfacial adhesion and by chain scission. 29 refs.

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