David Chong
Research Mentor: Dandan Zhang
Mentor Department: Materials Science and Engineering, Engineering
Author(s): Not Available
Session: Session 1 (9:00 AM – 9:50 AM)
Presentation Type: Poster 129
Abstract
Several studies have suggested using natural fibers as reinforcements for polymer matrices due to characteristics of being more renewable, cost-effective, lightweight, and naturally biodegradable than the industry standard of glass fibers for polymer reinforcements. However, further research and improvements, specifically in the strength and modulus areas, are required for use in vehicle applications. Supercritical CO2 is used to dye fabrics due to its high solubility. As such, this study aims to use nanoparticles under supercritical fluid conditions to treat fibers to improve its specific strength and modulus benchmarks. In this study, flax fibers were combed to ensure consistency in length and diameter, dried to get as much moisture out as possible, then treated using supercritical CO2, N2, Ar, with and without the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles. After treatment at 28 MPa, 60°C for 24 hours by supercritical CO2 and TiO2, the flax fibers were encased in epoxy, set to cure, and tested. Numerous batches of the composite samples were made in order to ensure even breakage in the middle of the composite samples. More testing will be conducted using the fibers treated under Ar, N2, TiO2 and results will be analyzed. The preliminary results show that the use of supercritical fluid and nanoparticles treated natural fibers as reinforcements for polymer matrixes may promote sustainability and replace the industry standard of glass fibers for polymer reinforcements.
