Composite Interfaces, Vol.8, No.6, 403-413, 2001
Effect of urethane binder on fiber reinforced polycarbonate injection moldings
Surface treatment of fibers in fiber reinforced polycarbonate injection moldings has been studied. Short glass fibers (GFs) treated with aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APMS) are bound by a binder (UB) as sizing agent and compounded with polycarbonate using a twin screw extruder (20 wt% GF). Dumbbell specimens with and without weldline are injection-molded for tensile test. Bar specimens are also injection-molded for flexure and Izod impact test. The strengths are greater when a large amount of UB is used in each test. Concentration of UB diffused in the composites is evaluated by microscopic Fourier-Transform Infrared Analysis (FT-IR). The surface condition of GFs treated with APMS influences the diffusion behavior of UB and the concentration varies drastically in the range of 120 mum from the fiber surface. When a large amount of UB is used, the GF is surrounded by a thicker phase containing UB, or 'interphase' which exists between brittle glass fiber and ductile polycarbonate. The interphase that showed ductility contributes to the improvement of the mechanical properties.
Keywords:urethane binder;silane coupling agent;glass fiber;interface;interphase;polycarbonate;injection molding