The effects of different chemical treatment methods on the mechanical and thermal properties of textile fiber reinforced polymer composites

In this study, the effects of improvement methods on the mechanical and thermal properties of textile fiber reinforced (T-FRP) composites were investigated. Five different chemical methods namely, silane treatment, alkaline treatment, alkali-silane treatment, maleic anhydride, and alkali-maleic anhydride coupling agents were applied to evaluate the suitable process parameters (concentration, soaking time, ratio by weight) for the enhanced properties of T-FRP composites. Tensile, three-point flexural and impact tests were performed on both untreated and treated composites for comparison purpose. Treated and untreated T-FRP composites were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy to evaluate thermomechanical properties of composites. Results show that a significant improvement up to 60-70% can be seen on the mechanical properties of T-FRP composites via improving the interfacial adhesion and compatibility between fiber and matrix.