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Mechanical performance of modified Polypropylene/Polyamide matrix reinforced with treated recycled carbon fibers for lightweight applications

Journal of Polymer Research volume 29, Article number: 136 (2022) Cite this article

Abstract

This research paper reports light-weighting future mobility system by modification of recycled carbon fiber composites (RCF). Virgin carbon fiber (VCF) from defense and aerospace sectors needs significant innovation for their high value reutilizations. RCF for composites is at its infancy and fundamental research gap remains to enhance fiber adhesion by its surface science as well as a cost-effective process engineering. A 25% in weight of non-treated versus 400 °C thermally treated VCF and RCF were added in a bi-phase polymer blend of polypropylene (PP) / polyamide 12 (PA12). Results demonstrated 17.7% improved mechanical strength with surface thermodynamics designed with functional maleic anhydride polypropylene (MAPP) and poly[methylene(polyphenyl)isocyanate] (PMPPIC). Characterization methods used included, mechanical properties, XPS, FTIR and SEM. The final recycled carbon fiber reinforced polymer (RCFRP) 20%/80% PP/PA12— PMPPIC has a better impact energy of 16.8% compared to the MAPP RCFRP chemistry without affecting hybrid matrix mechanical strength. Surface design with maleic anhydride functionality enhanced mechanical strength over impact energy for both VCF and RCF composites. Viscosity of the RCFRP composites supports the relationship between viscosity and hybrid matrix polymer adhesion behavior between both surface modifiers used. Finally, the surface energy of the modified composites elucidated the governing mechanism of fiber-matrix adhesion. The fabricated composites are recyclable and meet the stringent light-weighting requirements of many components in mobility vehicles.

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Data availability

The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

Research funding acknowledgments to MITACS Accelerate Program and Automotive Partnership Canada Program (APC) funded by Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). This research was supported by: Powertrain Engineering and Research and Development Centre (PERDC)—Ford Canada Special acknowledgment to faculty and staff of University of Toronto, Faculty of Forestry for sharing research background of this project. Finally, a sincere appreciation to Otavio Titton Dias, Antimo Graziano for their support and valuable contributions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Forestry, Centre for Biocomposites and Biomaterials Processing, University of Toronto, 33 Willcocks St, Toronto, ON, M5S3B2, Canada

    Bruno Sena Maia & Amir H. Behravesh

  2. Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Centre for Biocomposites and Biomaterials Processing, University of Toronto, 5 King’s College Rd, Toronto, ON, M5S3G8, Canada

    Jimi Tjong & Mohini Sain

  3. Department of Materials and Manufacturing, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, North Third Ring Road 15, Beijing, 100029, Chaoyang, China

    Mohini Sain

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  1. Bruno Sena Maia
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Correspondence to Bruno Sena Maia or Mohini Sain.

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Maia, B.S., Behravesh, A.H., Tjong, J. et al. Mechanical performance of modified Polypropylene/Polyamide matrix reinforced with treated recycled carbon fibers for lightweight applications. J Polym Res 29, 136 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10965-022-02975-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10965-022-02975-x

Keywords

  • Polymer
  • Carbon fiber
  • Surface modifier
  • Composites
  • Recycled carbon fiber