John, Maya JAnandjiwala, RD2009-04-242009-04-242009-04John, M.J., and Anandjiwala, R.D. 2009. Chemical modification of flax reinforced polypropylene composites. Composites Part A, Vol. 40(2009), pp 1-261359-835Xhttp://hdl.handle.net/10204/3334Copyright: 2009 This is the author's version of the work. It is posted here by permission of Elsevier Science B.V for your personal use. Not for redistributionThis paper presents an experimental study on the static and dynamic mechanical properties of nonwoven based flax fibre reinforced polypropylene composites. The effect of zein modification on flax fibres is also reported. Flax nonwovens were treated with zein coupling agent, which is a protein extracted from corn. Composites were prepared using nonwovens treated with zein solution. The tensile, flexural and impact properties of these composites were analysed and the reinforcing properties of the chemically treated composites were compared with that of untreated composites. Composites containing chemically modified flax fibres were found to possess improved mechanical properties. The viscoelastic properties of composites at different frequencies were investigated. The storage modulus of composites was found to increase with fibre content while damping properties registered a decrease. Zein coating was found to increase the storage modulus due to enhanced interfacial adhesion. The fracture mechanism of treated and untreated flax reinforced polypropylene composites was also investigated from scanning electron microscopic studiesenPolymer matrix compositesPolypropylene compositesCompression mouldingFibre-matrix adhesionCompositesMechanical testingFibreMatrix bondChemical modification of flax reinforced polypropylene compositesArticleJohn, M. J., & Anandjiwala, R. (2009). Chemical modification of flax reinforced polypropylene composites. http://hdl.handle.net/10204/3334John, Maya J, and RD Anandjiwala "Chemical modification of flax reinforced polypropylene composites." (2009) http://hdl.handle.net/10204/3334John MJ, Anandjiwala R. Chemical modification of flax reinforced polypropylene composites. 2009; http://hdl.handle.net/10204/3334.TY - Article AU - John, Maya J AU - Anandjiwala, RD AB - This paper presents an experimental study on the static and dynamic mechanical properties of nonwoven based flax fibre reinforced polypropylene composites. The effect of zein modification on flax fibres is also reported. Flax nonwovens were treated with zein coupling agent, which is a protein extracted from corn. Composites were prepared using nonwovens treated with zein solution. The tensile, flexural and impact properties of these composites were analysed and the reinforcing properties of the chemically treated composites were compared with that of untreated composites. Composites containing chemically modified flax fibres were found to possess improved mechanical properties. The viscoelastic properties of composites at different frequencies were investigated. The storage modulus of composites was found to increase with fibre content while damping properties registered a decrease. Zein coating was found to increase the storage modulus due to enhanced interfacial adhesion. The fracture mechanism of treated and untreated flax reinforced polypropylene composites was also investigated from scanning electron microscopic studies DA - 2009-04 DB - ResearchSpace DP - CSIR KW - Polymer matrix composites KW - Polypropylene composites KW - Compression moulding KW - Fibre-matrix adhesion KW - Composites KW - Mechanical testing KW - Fibre KW - Matrix bond LK - https://researchspace.csir.co.za PY - 2009 SM - 1359-835X T1 - Chemical modification of flax reinforced polypropylene composites TI - Chemical modification of flax reinforced polypropylene composites UR - http://hdl.handle.net/10204/3334 ER -