Fiber Reinforced Polymers: Manufacture, Properties and Applications

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Composites and Nanocomposites".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2024 | Viewed by 3032

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Applied Mechanics and Civil Constructions, University of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
Interests: hybrid resins; natural resins; natural reinforcers; composite materials; manufacture of hybrid composites; manufacture of biocomposites; mechanical properties; chemical properties; biodegradability
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Applied Mechanics and Civil Constructions, University of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
Interests: hybrid resins; natural resins; natural reinforcements; composite materials; manufacture of hybrid composites; manufacture of biocomposites; mechanical properties; chemical properties; biodegradability
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) are composite materials consisting of a matrix reinforced with natural fibers, carbon, glass or aramid. The fibers give the material high strength and stiffness, while the matrix helps hold the fibers together and transfer loads between them. Because the fibers are much stronger and stiffer than the matrix, FRP-type composites commonly have higher strength–weight ratios than other materials such as metals or concrete. This makes them attractive for use in structural applications where weight is a critical factor, for example, in aerospace, civil and industrial construction, automotive construction, the oil and gas industry, sporting goods, etc. Also, FRPs have good corrosion resistance and are resistant to many chemicals, making them useful in harsh environments. In addition to their distinguished mechanical properties, certain FRPs are environmentally friendly. Such fiber-reinforced polymers can be recycled and have a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional materials, making them a sustainable choice for use in most industries. This Special Issue is dedicated to the latest research on these topics, covering all aspects of the manufacture, properties and application areas of fiber-reinforced polymers

Dr. Marius Marinel Stănescu
Dr. Bolcu Dumitru
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • the manufacturing process of fiber-reinforced polymers
  • mechanical properties
  • chemical properties.

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 3741 KiB  
Article
Highly Filled Waste Polyester Fiber/Low-Density Polyethylene Composites with a Better Fiber Length Retention Fabricated by a Two-Rotor Continuous Mixer
by Junrong Chen, Zhijie Pan, Songwei Yang, Changlin Cao, Weiming Zhou, Yidu Xie, Yilin Yang, Qingrong Qian and Qinghua Chen
Polymers 2024, 16(20), 2929; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16202929 (registering DOI) - 18 Oct 2024
Abstract
A key challenge in the utilization of waste polyester fibers (PET fibers) is the development of fiber-reinforced composites with high filler content and the improvement of fiber length retention. Herein, the effects of a two-rotor continuous mixer and a twin-screw extruder on the [...] Read more.
A key challenge in the utilization of waste polyester fibers (PET fibers) is the development of fiber-reinforced composites with high filler content and the improvement of fiber length retention. Herein, the effects of a two-rotor continuous mixer and a twin-screw extruder on the structure and properties of waste polyester fiber composites were evaluated. The results revealed that the mechanical properties of the composites were improved significantly with increasing fiber content, especially when processed using the twin-rotor continuous mixer. This mixer facilitated the formation of a robust fiber network structure, leading to substantial enhancements in tensile strength, flexural strength, and heat resistance. Specifically, compared to those processed by the twin-screw extruder, with 60 wt% fibers content, the tensile and flexural strengths of specimens processed by the twin-rotor continuous mixer increase by 21% and 13%, respectively. The average fiber length in specimens processed by the twin-rotor continuous mixer was 32% longer than that in specimens processed by the twin-screw extruder, attributable to the lower shear frequency and the higher tensile ratio of the former. This blending technique emerges as an effective strategy, contributing significantly to promoting the development and practical application of waste textile fiber-reinforced polymer composites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber Reinforced Polymers: Manufacture, Properties and Applications)
14 pages, 5872 KiB  
Article
Analysis of the Tensile Properties and Probabilistic Characteristics of Large-Tow Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites
by Anni Wang, Ruiheng Li and Xiaogang Liu
Polymers 2024, 16(15), 2197; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16152197 - 1 Aug 2024
Viewed by 975
Abstract
Large-tow carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites (CFRP) have great application potential in civil engineering due to their low price, but their basic mechanical properties are still unclear. The tensile properties of large-tow CFRP rods and plates were investigated in this study. First, the tensile [...] Read more.
Large-tow carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites (CFRP) have great application potential in civil engineering due to their low price, but their basic mechanical properties are still unclear. The tensile properties of large-tow CFRP rods and plates were investigated in this study. First, the tensile properties of unidirectional CFRP rods and plates were studied, and the test results of the relevant mechanical properties were statistically analyzed. The tensile strength of the CFRP rod and plate are 2005.97 MPa and 2069.48 MPa. Second, the surface of the test specimens after failure was observed using a scanning electron microscope to analyze the type of failure and damage evolution process. Finally, the probabilistic characteristics of the mechanical properties were analyzed using normal, lognormal, and Weibull distributions for parameter fitting. Quasi-optimality tests were performed, and a probability distribution model was proposed for the mechanical properties of large-tow CFRP rods and plates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber Reinforced Polymers: Manufacture, Properties and Applications)
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15 pages, 3535 KiB  
Article
Toughness Evolution of Flax-Fiber-Reinforced Composites under Repeated Salt Fog–Dry Aging Cycles
by Luigi Calabrese, Carmelo Sanfilippo, Antonino Valenza, Edoardo Proverbio and Vincenzo Fiore
Polymers 2024, 16(13), 1926; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16131926 - 6 Jul 2024
Viewed by 814
Abstract
This research examined the response of flax-fiber-reinforced composites (FFRCs) to simulated outdoor conditions involving repeated exposure to salt fog and drying. The study investigated the effect of cycles on the toughness of the FFRCs. To achieve this, the composites were exposed to humidity [...] Read more.
This research examined the response of flax-fiber-reinforced composites (FFRCs) to simulated outdoor conditions involving repeated exposure to salt fog and drying. The study investigated the effect of cycles on the toughness of the FFRCs. To achieve this, the composites were exposed to humidity (salt fog) for 10 days, followed by 18 days of drying in cycles. A total of up to 3 cycles, each lasting 4 weeks, were conducted over a 12-week period. Throughout this process, changes in the material’s weight, water absorption, and mechanical properties were monitored by water uptake and three-point bending tests. The findings revealed the significant impact of these humid–dry cycles on the mechanical response of the FFRCs. When exposed to humid environments without drying, the composite’s toughness increased significantly, due to a weakening effect more pronounced for stiffness, with strength reductions of about 20%. However, subsequent drying partially restored the material’s performance. After 18 days of drying, the composite regained most of its initial performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber Reinforced Polymers: Manufacture, Properties and Applications)
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20 pages, 8627 KiB  
Article
Mechanical Properties and Stress–Strain Relationship of PVA-Fiber-Reinforced Engineered Geopolymer Composite
by Jian Zhou, Zhenjun Li, Xi Liu, Xinzhuo Yang and Jiaojiao Lv
Polymers 2024, 16(12), 1685; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16121685 - 13 Jun 2024
Viewed by 805
Abstract
In this study, seven Engineering Geopolymer Composite (EGC) groups with varying proportions were prepared. Rheological, compressive, flexural, and axial tensile tests of the EGC were conducted to study the effects of the water/binder ratio, the cement/sand ratio, and fiber type on its properties. [...] Read more.
In this study, seven Engineering Geopolymer Composite (EGC) groups with varying proportions were prepared. Rheological, compressive, flexural, and axial tensile tests of the EGC were conducted to study the effects of the water/binder ratio, the cement/sand ratio, and fiber type on its properties. Additionally, a uniaxial tension constitutive model was established. The results indicate that the EGC exhibits early strength characteristics, with the 7-day compressive strength reaching 80% to 92% of the 28-day compressive strength. The EGC demonstrates high compressive strength and tensile ductility, achieving up to 70 MPa and 4%, respectively. The mechanical properties of the EGC improved with an increase in the sand/binder ratio and decreased with an increase in the water/binder ratio. The stress–strain curve of the EGC resembles that of the ECC, displaying a strain-hardening state that can be divided into two stages: before cracking, the matrix primarily bears the stress; after cracking, the slope decreases, and the fiber predominantly bears the stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber Reinforced Polymers: Manufacture, Properties and Applications)
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