Antagonistic effects on mechanical properties of microfibrillar composites with dual reinforcement: explanation by FEA model of soft interface

0471753 - ÚMCH 2017 RIV US eng J - Journal Article
Kelnar, Ivan - Kratochvíl, Jaroslav - Kaprálková, Ludmila - Zhigunov, Alexander - Padovec, Z. - Růžička, M. - Nevoralová, Martina
Antagonistic effects on mechanical properties of microfibrillar composites with dual reinforcement: explanation by FEA model of soft interface.
Journal of Applied Polymer Science. Roč. 134, č. 20 (2017), s. 1-9, č. článku 44712. ISSN 0021-8995. E-ISSN 1097-4628
R&D Projects: GA ČR(CZ) GA13-15255S
Institutional support: RVO:61389013
Keywords : finite element analysis * interface * microfibrillar composites
OECD category: Composites (including laminates, reinforced plastics, cermets, combined natural and synthetic fibre fabrics
Impact factor: 1.901, year: 2017

Nanofillers (NF) in microfibrillar composites support melt-drawing and may lead to improved performance. However, antagonistic effects have also been found. The deterioration of mechanical properties by drawing in the presence of NF, as found by other authors in analogous undrawn systems, has not yet been explained. Experiments indicating the importance of NF migration between the HDPE matrix and the PA6 fibrils in the course of drawing have led to a tentative conclusion of changed crystallinity in the interfacial area resulting in a layer with reduced modulus. This was confirmed by the finite element analysis considering the formation of a “soft” interface as a result of reduced content of HDPE spherulites at the fiber surfaces. The results show a marked impact of this phenomenon on modulus. This original concept presents a basis for explaining some antagonistic effects in multicomponent polymer systems and a tool for the more rational design of composite materials.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0269259