An investigation of the effect of processing conditions on the interface of flax/polypropylene composites

In recent years there has been an increasing interest in using natural fibres as potential reinforcements for polymers. It is well known that the properties of composite materials are controlled by the properties of the matrix and the fibre, as well as of the interface. The most usual methods of strengthening the interface involve the application of surface modification methods on the fibres, or the application of compatibilisers in the matrix. However, it may be possible that one may achieve similar results just by simply controlling the processing conditions, and thus avoiding the application of chemicals that tend to increase the cost. In the present study the effect of cooling rates upon the interface in flax fibre/iPP composites was investigated by means of fragmentation tests. It was found that slower cooling leads to a stronger interface for two different grades of flax fibres; dew retted and green flax.