A Study on the Efficiency Comparison of Methods to Improve Mechanical Properties of Short-Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polypropylene Composite

Abstract

In the present study, the effects of fiber length, surface treatment, and addition of compatibilizer were compared at the same carbon fiber content. The effects of fiber length were compared using the carbon fibers of 3 mm and 6 mm in length, and samples were prepared using the silane-treated carbon fiber and the maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene as a compatibilizer. Tensile test, flexural test, and impact test were carried out and the reason for the difference in the properties was considered by SEM observation. Through the comparison of the fiber efficiency factor calculated from the tensile strength result, the use of compatibilizer and the increase of fiber length can be considered as efficient ways to enhance the mechanical properties in CF/PP composite.