Skip to main content
Springer Nature Link
Log in

Effects of oxygen and tetravinylsilane plasma treatments on mechanical and interfacial properties of flax yarns in thermoset matrix composites

  • Original Research
  • Published:
Cellulose Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This work is focused on the assessment of the effect of oxygen and polymer plasma tetravinylsilane (pp-TVS) treatments on the adhesion of flax yarns with epoxy and vinylester thermoset matrices. These low temperature plasma processes have been selected as more environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional chemical treatments. Tensile tests performed on single flax yarns revealed a reduction in their mechanical properties after plasma treatments. In particular, a tensile strength reduction of 36.4% was detected after the oxygen plasma treatment using 100 W of plasma power. The morphological analysis highlighted that this result is mainly ascribed to the ablation action produced by oxygen plasma process. In the case of pp-TVS, both morphological and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis confirmed the presence of a homogeneous tetravinylsilane film on the surface of the yarns. The interfacial adhesion of untreated, oxygen plasma treated, and plasma-polymer coated flax yarns has been determined by single fibre fragmentation test. The plasma polymer deposition can produce a significant improvement of the adhesion property of flax yarns with both epoxy and vinylester matrices. An increase of the interfacial shear strength values of 114% and 71% was found after the TVS film deposition in epoxy and vinylester composites, respectively. These results were confirmed by high-resolution micro-CT, photoelasticity analysis and FE-SEM observations.

Graphic abstract

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
$34.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or eBook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
Fig. 14
Fig. 15

Similar content being viewed by others

Explore related subjects

Discover the latest articles and news from researchers in related subjects, suggested using machine learning.

References

  • Abidi N, Manike M (2017) X-ray diffraction and FTIR investigations of cellulose deposition during cotton fiber development. Text Res J 88:719–730

    Google Scholar 

  • Abidi N, Cabrales L, Haigler CH (2014) Changes in the cell wall and cellulose content of developing cotton fibers investigated by FTIR spectroscopy. Carbohydr Polym 100:9–16

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Amiandamhen SO, Meincken M, Tyhoda L (2018) The effect of chemical treatments of natural fibres on the properties of phosphate-bonded composite products. Wood Sci Technol 52:653–675

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Baltazar-y-Jimenez A, Bistritz M, Schulz E, Bismarck A (2008) Atmospheric air pressure plasma treatment of lignocellulosic fibres: impact on mechanical properties and adhesion to cellulose acetate butyrate. Compos Sci Technol 68:215–227

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Beggs KM, Servinis L, Gengenbach TR, Huson MG, Fox BL, Henderson LC (2015) A systematic study of carbon fi bre surface grafting via in situ diazonium generation for improved interfacial shear strength in epoxy matrix composites. Compos Sci Technol 118:31–38

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bozaci E, Sever K, Sarikanat M, Seki Y, Demir A, Ozdogan E (2013) Effects of the atmospheric plasma treatments on surface and mechanical properties of flax fiber and adhesion between fiber—matrix for composite materials. Compos Part B 45:565–572. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2012.09.042

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bulut Y, Aksit A (2013) A comparative study on chemical treatment of jute fiber: potassium dichromate, potassium permanganate and sodium perborate trihydrate. Cellulose 20:3155–3164

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cech V, Studynka J, Janos F, Perina V (2007) Influence of oxygen on the chemical structure of plasma polymer films deposited from a mixture of tetravinylsilane and oxygen gas. Plasma Process Polym 4:S776–S780

    Google Scholar 

  • Cech V et al (2014) Enhanced interfacial adhesion of glass fibers by tetravinylsilane plasma modification. Compos Part A 58:84–89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2013.12.003

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cech V, Marekb A, Knobc A, Valterb J, Braneckya M, Plihalb P, Vyskocil J (2019) Continuous Surface Modification of Glass Fibers in a Roll-to-Roll Plasma-Enhanced CVD Reactor for Glass Fiber/Polyester Composites. Compos Part A: Appl Sci Manuf 121:244–253

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Davidson G (1971) The vibrational spectrum of tetravinylsilane. Spectrochim Acta Part A Mol Spectrosc 27A:1161–1169

    Google Scholar 

  • De Almeida Mesquita R G et al (2017) Polyester composites reinforced with corona-treated fibers from pine, eucalyptus and sugarcane bagasse. J Polym Environ 25:800–811

    Google Scholar 

  • De Farias J, Cavalcante R, Canabarro B, Viana H, Scholz S, Simao R (2017) Surface lignin removal on coir fibers by plasma treatment for improved adhesion in thermoplastic starch composites. Carbohydr Polym 165:429–436

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • De Oliveira DM, Cioffi MOH, De Carvalho Benini K C C, Voorwald HJC (2017) Effects of plasma treatment on the sorption properties of coconut fibers. Procedia Eng 200:357–364

    Google Scholar 

  • De Souza Lima MM, Borsali R (2004) Rodlike cellulose microcrystals: structure, properties, and applications. Macromol Rapid Commun 25:771–787

    Google Scholar 

  • Demirkir C, Colak S, Ozturk H (2017) Effects of plasma surface treatment on bending strength and modulus of elasticity of beech and poplar plywood. Maderas Cienc Tecnol 19:195–202

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Donaldson L, Frankland A (2004) Ultrastructure of iodine treated wood. Holzforschung 58:219–225

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dong Z, Ding R, Zheng L, Zhang X, Yu C (2015) Thermal properties of flax fiber scoured by different methods. Therm Sci 19:939–945

    Google Scholar 

  • Fiore V, Scalici T, Valenza A (2017) Effect of sodium bicarbonate treatment on mechanical properties of flax-reinforced epoxy composite materials. J Compos Mater 52:1061–1072

    Google Scholar 

  • Fu J et al (2019) Applied Surface Science Enhancing interfacial properties of carbon fi bers reinforced epoxy composites via Layer-by-Layer self assembly GO/SiO2 multilayers fi lms on carbon fi bers surface. Appl Surf Sci 470:543–554

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gao X, Gillespie JW Jr, Jensen RE, Li W, Haque BZG, Mcknight SH (2015) Effect of fiber surface texture on the mechanical properties of glass fiber reinforced epoxy composite. Compos Part A 74:10–17

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • George J, Sreekala MS, Thomas S, George J, Sreekala MS, Thomas S (2001) A review on interface modification and characterization of natural fiber reinforced plastic composites. Polym Eng Sci 41:1471–1485

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Guillebaud-Bonnafous C, Vasconcellos D, Touchard F, Chocinski-Arnault L (2012) Experimental and numerical investigation of the interface between epoxy matrix and hemp yarn. Compos Part A 43:2046–2058. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2012.07.015

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jamali A, Evans PD (2011) Etching of wood surfaces by glow discharge plasma. Wood Sci Technol 45:169–182

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Joffe R, Andersons JA, Wallström L (2003) Strength and adhesion characteristics of elementary flax fibres with different surface treatments. Compos Part A Appl Sci Manuf 34:603–612

    Google Scholar 

  • Joffe R, Andersons J, Wallström L (2005) Interfacial shear strength of flax fiber/thermoset polymers estimated by fiber fragmentation tests. J Mater Sci 40:2721–2722

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • John MJ, Anandjiwala RD (2008) Recent developments in chemical modification and characterization of natural fiber-reinforced composites. Polym Compos 29:187–207

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kafi AA, Magniez K, Fox BL (2011) A surface-property relationship of atmospheric plasma treated jute composites. Compos Sci Technol 71:1692–1698

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kalia S, Kaith BS, Kaur I (2009) Pretreatments of natural fibers and their application as reinforcing material in polymer composites—a review. Polym Eng Sci 49:1253–1272

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ke G, Yu W, Xu W, Cui W, Shen X (2007) Effects of corona discharge treatment on the surface. J Mater Process Technol 7:125–129

    Google Scholar 

  • Kelly A, Tyson WR (1965) Tensile properties of fibre-reinforced metals: copper/tungsten and copper/molybdenum. J Mech Phys Solids 13:329–350

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kiruthika AV (2017) A review on physico-mechanical properties of bast fibre reinforced polymer composites. J Build Eng 9:91–99

    Google Scholar 

  • Koronis G, Silva A, Fontul M (2013) Green composites: a review of adequate materials for automotive applications. Compos Part B 44:120–127

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Li X, Tabil LG, Panigrahi S (2007) Chemical treatments of natural fiber for use in natural fiber-reinforced composites: a review. J Polym Environ 15:25–33

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu M et al (2016) Effect of pectin and hemicellulose removal from hemp fibres on the mechanical properties of unidirectional hemp/epoxy composites. Compos Part A 90:724–735

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Liu M et al (2017) Oxidation of lignin in hemp fibres by laccase: effects on mechanical properties of hemp fibres and unidirectional fibre/epoxy composites. Compos Part A 95:377–387

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lucintel (2015) Growth opportunities in the global natural fiber composites market, Lucintel Insights that Matter, 1–170

  • Mazian B, Bergeret A, Benezet J, Malhautier L (2018) Influence of field retting duration on the biochemical, microstructural, thermal and mechanical properties of hemp fibres harvested at the beginning of flowering. Ind Crop Prod 116:170–181

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mohanty AK, Misra M, Drazal LT (2001) Surface modifications of natural fibers and performance of the resulting biocomposites: an overview. Compos Interfaces 8:313–343

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Molina S (2016) Modification of natural fibers using physical technologies and their applications for composites. In: Belgacem N, Pizzi A (eds) Lignocellulosic fibers and wood handbook: renewable materials for today’s environment, pp 323–344

    Google Scholar 

  • Mukhopadhyay S, Fangueiro R (2009) Physical modification of natural fibers and thermoplastic films for composites—a review. J Thermoplast Compos Mater 22:135–162

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ng YR, Shahid SNAM, Nordin NIAA (2018) The effect of alkali treatment on tensile properties of coir/polypropylene biocomposite. In: The Wood and biofiber international conference (WOBIC 2017), pp 1–7

    Google Scholar 

  • Ohsawa T, Nakayama A, Miwa M, Hasegawa A (1978) Temperature dependence of critical fiber length for glass fiber—reinforced thermosetting resins. J Appl Polym Sci 22:3203–3212

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ragoubi M et al (2012) Effect of corona discharge treatment on mechanical and thermal properties of composites based on miscanthus fibres and polylactic acid or polypropylene matrix. Compos Part A 43:675–685

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Reddy KO, Maheswari CU, Reddy KR, Shukla M, Muzenda E, Rajulu AV (2015) Effect of chemical treatment and fiber loading on mechanical properties of borassus (toddy palm) fiber/epoxy composites. Int J Polym Anal Charact 20:612–626

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sarasini F, Tirillò J, Seghini MC (2018) Influence of thermal conditioning on tensile behaviour of single basalt fibres. Compos Part B 132:77–86

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Scalici T, Fiore V, Valenza A (2016) Effect of plasma treatment on the properties of Arundo Donax L. leaf fibres and its bio-based epoxy composites: a preliminary study. Compos Part B 94:167–175

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Seghini MC, Touchard F, Sarasini F, Chocinski-arnault L, Mellier D, Tirillò J (2018) Interfacial adhesion assessment in flax/epoxy and in flax/vinylester composites by single yarn fragmentation test: correlation with micro-CT analysis. Compos Part A 113:66–75

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shanmugasundaram N, Rajendran I, Ramkumar T (2018) Characterization of untreated and alkali treated new cellulosic fiber from an Areca palm leaf stalk as potential reinforcement in polymer composites. Carbohydr Polym 195:566–575

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sun D, Stylios GK (2006) Fabric surface properties affected by low temperature plasma treatment. Mater Process Technol 173:172–177

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Thomason JL, Yang L, Minty RF (2018) Are silanes the primary driver of interface strength in glass fibre composites?: exploring the relationship of the chemical and physical parameters which control composite interfacial strength. In: ECCM18—18th European conference on composite materials Athens, Greece, 24–28th June 2018, pp 1–8

  • Titok V, Leontiev V, Yurenkova S, Nikitinskaya T, Barannikova T, Khotyleva L (2010) Infrared spectroscopy of fiber flax. J Nat Fibers 7:61–69

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Van De Velde K, Baetens E (2001) Thermal and mechanical properties of flax fibres as potential composite reinforcement. Macromol Mater Eng 286:342–349

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang B, Panigrahi S, Tabil L, Crerar W, Sokansanj S, Braun L (2003) Modification of flax fibers by chemical treatment., in CSAE/SCGR 2003 Meeting Montréal, Québec July 6–9, 2003, pp 1–15

  • Wang X, Zhang B, Du S, Wu Y, Sun X (2010) Numerical simulation of the fiber fragmentation process in single-fiber composites. Mater Des 31:2464–2470. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2009.11.050

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Warner SB, Uhlmann DR, Peebles LH Jr (1975) Ion etching of amorphous and semicrystalline fibres. J Mater Process Technol 10:758–764

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yachmenev VG, Blanchard EJ, Lambert AH (1998) Use of ultrasonic energy in the enzymatic treatment of cotton. Mater Interfaces 37:3919–3923

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yasuda H, Matsuzawa Y (2005) Economical advantages of low-pressure plasma polymerization coating. Plasma Process Polym 2:507–512

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zafeiropoulos NE (2007) On the use of single fibre composites testing to characterise. Compos Interfaces 14:807–820

    CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The plasma treatments were supported by the Czech Science Foundation, Grant No. 16-09161S.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemical Engineering Materials Environment and UdR INSTM, Sapienza-Università di Roma, Via Eudossiana 18, 00184, Rome, Italy

    Maria Carolina Seghini, Fabrizio Sarasini, Jacopo Tirillò & Maria Paola Bracciale

  2. Département Physique et Mécanique des Matériaux, ENSMA, Institut PPRIME, CNRS-ENSMA-Université de Poitiers, 1, Av. Clément Ader, B.P. 40109, 86961, Futuroscope Cedex, France

    Maria Carolina Seghini, Fabienne Touchard & Laurence Chocinski-Arnault

  3. Institute of Materials Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Brno University of Technology, Purkynova 118, 612 00, Brno, Czech Republic

    Milan Zvonek & Vladimir Cech

Authors
  1. Maria Carolina Seghini
    View author publications

    Search author on:PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Fabienne Touchard
    View author publications

    Search author on:PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Fabrizio Sarasini
    View author publications

    Search author on:PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Laurence Chocinski-Arnault
    View author publications

    Search author on:PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Jacopo Tirillò
    View author publications

    Search author on:PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Maria Paola Bracciale
    View author publications

    Search author on:PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Milan Zvonek
    View author publications

    Search author on:PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Vladimir Cech
    View author publications

    Search author on:PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Maria Carolina Seghini.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Seghini, M.C., Touchard, F., Sarasini, F. et al. Effects of oxygen and tetravinylsilane plasma treatments on mechanical and interfacial properties of flax yarns in thermoset matrix composites. Cellulose 27, 511–530 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-019-02785-3

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-019-02785-3

Keywords