Mechanical properties for bio-based thermoset composites made from lactic acid, glycerol and viscose fibers

摘要

Regenerated cellulose fibers were used to produce thermoset composites from a bio-based thermoset resin synthesized from lactic acid and glycerol. The resin was impregnated into the regenerated cellulose fiber and compression molded at elevated temperature to produce thermoset composites. Different fiber alignments (unidirectional and bidirectional), different reinforcement type (warp-knitted and non-woven) and varying fiber loading (65, 70 and 75 wt%) were investigated. The composites were characterized by flexural, tensile and Charpy impact testing and by dynamical mechanical thermal analysis. Water uptake and ageing properties in climate chamber were also characterized for the composites. The results showed that the composites had good mechanical properties. They can be produced with up to 70 wt% fiber content when using unidirectional (UD) and bidirectional fiber (BD) alignment, and with up to 65 wt% fiber content when using the non-woven (NW) reinforcement. The tensile modulus ranged between 11 and 14 GPa for UD composites, 7 and 8.5 GPa for BD composites and 5 and 7.5 GPa for NW composites. The flexural modulus ranged between 10 and 11.5 GPa for UD composites, 5 and 6.5 GPa for BD composites and 5 and 6 GPa for NW composites. The impact strength ranged between 130 and 150 kJ/m(2) for UD composites, 98 and 110 kJ/m(2) for BD composites and 17 and 20 kJ/m(2) for NW composites. The result of the ageing test showed that the mechanical properties of the composites deteriorate with ageing but the addition of styrene somewhat counteracts the degradation, making the composite applicable for indoor use.