The influence of consolidation temperature on in-plane and interlaminar mechanical properties of self-reinforced polypropylene composite

Abstract

In this work, the mechanical properties of self-reinforced polypropylene (SRPP) composite were investigated regarding their manufacturing process. The self-reinforced composite composed of polypropylene fiber and matrix were fabricated according to the consolidation temperature. Then, tensile and compressive tests were conducted to measure the mechanical properties such as strength and failure strain. Mode-I and Mode-II fracture toughness tests were performed to confirm the influence of consolidation temperature on interlaminar properties of SRPP composite. To evaluate crystal structure and thermal transition of the polypropylene fiber reinforcement, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses were carried out according to the consolidation temperature. Digital microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to observe failure modes of the fractured SRPP composite specimens. Finally, the optimal consolidation temperature was suggested for improvement of in-plane and interlaminar mechanical properties of SRPP composite. It was also found that the superior impact characteristic of the optimally fabricated SRPP could be achieved under drop weight impact test.