Abstract
Natural-fiber-mat-reinforced thermoplastic (NMT) composites based on flax fiber mats and an isotactic polypropylene (PP) matrix were manufd. using (i) a film-stacking method and (ii) a paper making process. The influence of fiber length and fiber content on stiffness and strength is reported and compared with data for glass-mat-reinforced thermoplastic (GMT) composites, including the influence of using maleic anhydride-grafted PP. The data is also compared with existing micromech. models like Kelly-Tyson and Cox-Krenchel for strength and stiffness, resp. A good agreement was found between theory and expt. in the case of stiffness while in the case of strength the exptl. values fall well below the theor. predictions. NMTs are of interest for low-cost engineering applications and can compete with com. GMTs, esp. when a high stiffness per unit wt. is desirable. The key area for future development lies not only in improved adhesion but mainly in improving the fiber strength
| Original language | English |
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| Title of host publication | Proceedings 11th international conference on composite materials, Gold Coast, Australia, July 14-18, 1997 [ICCM-11]. Vol. 4. Composites processing and microstructures |
| Editors | M.L. Scott |
| Place of Publication | Cambridge |
| Publisher | Woodhead |
| Pages | 794-803 |
| ISBN (Print) | 1-85573-354-4 |
| Publication status | Published - 1997 |