Effect of corona modification on the mechanical properties of polypropylene/cellulose composites

TLDR

The study investigates how different corona treatment conditions affect the mechanical properties of cellulose fiber/ polypropylene composites and examines the link between fiber electrical conductance, mechanical performance, and adhesion mechanisms. Cellulose fibers and polypropylene were subjected to a range of corona treatment levels and oxygen concentrations, with fiber treatment assessed via electrical conductance of aqueous suspensions. Tensile testing revealed that composites with treated fibers, or both treated fibers and polypropylene, showed substantial strength gains, while composites with only treated polypropylene improved only slightly, indicating that dispersive forces largely drive the enhanced adhesion. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Abstract

Abstract The effect of various corona treatment conditions on the mechanical properties of cellulose fibers/polypropylene composites was studied. The cellulose fibers and polypropylene were modified using a wide range of corona treatment levels and concentrations of oxygen. The treatment level of the fibers was evaluated using the electrical conductance of their aqueous suspensions. The mechanical properties of composites obtained from different combinations of treated or untreated cellulose fibers and polypropylene were characterized by tensile stress–strain measurements; they improved substantially when either the cellulose fibers alone or both components were treated, although composites made from untreated cellulose fibers and treated polypropylene showed a relatively small improvement. The results obtained indicate that dispersive forces are mostly responsible for the enhanced adhesion. The relationship between the electrical conductance of the fibers, the mechanical properties, and the mechanism of improved adhesion is discussed. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.