Structure-processing-mechanical properties relationship in multifuncional composites

D. BRENDSTRUP; C. BERNAL

Buenos Aires

Workshop; Deformation and failure of polymers and composites; 2018

Instituto de Tecnología en Polímeros y Nanotecnología

Over the last decades, the development of multifunctional materials has been a topic of significant research interest. These materials are able to simultaneously perform different structural functions or combined structural and non-structural functions, such as electrical, magnetic or optical response. On the other side, in the context of the current concern for the environment, the use of new combinations of materials with better properties but also with lower environmental impact deserves great attention from academy, industry and consumers. Currently, there is a great interest in self-reinforced composites (SRCs) due to their easy of recycling and the possibility to obtain light structures and components. In these materials, the reinforcement is made of high strength highly oriented fibres or tapes while the matrix is a polymer of the same chemical nature but with a lower melting or softening temperature. Significant efforts have been devoted to the development of self-reinforced composites. In the present investigation, nanocomposites based on a thermoplastic polymer, Polypropylene (PP), modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes were obtained by twin-screw extrusion. Processing conditions were varied in order to obtain nanocomposites with the optimal filler dispersion and distribution within the polymeric matrix. The nanocomposites were subsequently used as the matrix in multifunctional self-reinforced composites obtained by film-stacking followed by compression moulding. The composites morphology was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) while uniaxial tensile tests were performed to investigate the materials mechanical behaviour. This behaviour was correlated with the final morphology obtained from the different processing conditions.