In-situ continuous process for bonding glass-fiber reinforced polypropylene to wood

摘要

Process conditions are developed for the manufacture of composite reinforcement for oak. Commingled glass and polypropylene fibers are consolidated in-situ on the surface of oak. Processing times from 30 to 120 seconds and pressures from 0.34 MPa to 1.4 MPa are tested. Micrographs of the composite and bond line reveal anisotropic fiber distribution in the composite, dry reinforcing fibers, voids, and incomplete consolidation. These microstructures are correlated with the processing problems which cause them, including insufficient heating time, poor matrix/glass mixing, and insufficient pressure to suppress void development. Lap shear strength and failure modes are related to microstructural features.