Effect of fiber loading on the properties of treated cellulose fiber-reinforced phenolic composites. (January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rojo, Ester; Alonso, M. Virginia; Oliet, Mercedes; Del Saz-Orozco, Belén; Rodriguez, Francisco
• Is Part Of: Composites. Volume 68(2015)
• Page Start: 185
• Page End: 192
• Publication Date: 2015-01
• Subjects: A. Polymer–matrix composites (PMCs) -- A. Fibers -- B. Mechanical properties -- B. Thermal properties; Composite materials -- Periodicals; Materials science -- Periodicals; Composite materials; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 620.118
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2014.08.047
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-8368

Abstract

Abstract: The effect of fiber loading on the properties of treated cellulose fiber-reinforced phenolic composites was evaluated. Alkali treatment of the fibers and reaction with organosilanes as coupling agents were applied to improve fiber–matrix adhesion. Fiber loadings of 1, 3, 5, and 7 wt% were incorporated to the phenolic matrix and tensile, flexural, morphological and thermal properties of the resulting composites were studied. In general, mechanical properties of the composites showed a maximum at 3% of fiber loading and a uniform distribution of the fibers in such composites was observed. Silane treatment of the fibers provided derived composites with the best thermal and mechanical properties. Meanwhile, NaOH treatment improved thermal and flexural properties, but reduced tensile properties of the materials. Therefore, the phenolic composite containing 3% of silane treated cellulose fiber was selected as the material with optimal properties.