Interfacial and Thermal Characteristics of Natural Fiber Composites Reinforced with Henequen Surface-Treated with EBI

  • Pang Yansong (Dept. of Polymer Science Engineering, Kumoh National Institute of Technology) ;
  • Han Seong Ok (Functional Materials Research Center, Korea Institute of Energy Research) ;
  • Cho Donghwan (Dept. of Polymer Science Engineering, Kumoh National Institute of Technology) ;
  • Drzal Lawrence T. (CMSC, Michigan State Univ.,)
  • Published : 2004.10.01

Abstract

In this study, a number of natural fiber henequen reinforced polymer matrix composites were successfully fabricated by means of a compression molding technique using chopped henequen fibers surface-treated with different electron beam irradiation (EBI) dosages, thermoplastic poly(butylene succinate), thermosetting unsaturated polyester and phenolic resins. Their interfacial and thermal characteristics were studied in terms of interfacial shear strength, fracture surface, dynamic mechanical properties, dimensional stability, and thermal stability using single fiber microbonding test, SEM, DMA, TMA, and TGA. The results show that their interfacial and thermal properties significantly depend on the intensity of EBl treatment on the natural fiber surface.

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