Different fiber combinations for enhancing properties of compression molded fiber composites

The present work involved the manufacturing and characterization of hybrid biocomposites from poly-lactic acid reinforced with cellulose derived fibers and synthetic high performing fibers, such as carbon and aramid fibers for improving the performance. The manufacturing and characterization of these composites were executed at Innventia AB in Stockholm and in the Division of Materials Science at Luleå University of Technology. A dynamic sheet former was used to obtain the pre-forms or mats. The final composite was obtained by compression molding and annealing process. The characterization of the composites was done by performing tensile test, fracture toughness test, differential scanning calorimetry, computed tomography and scanning electron microscopy. A study of the degradation of the poly-lactic acid in the composites was executed through size exclusion chromatography. Composite porosity was determined to be between 15-64%, depending on the composition. Composites containing aramid fibers showed higher values of strain at break, while composites containing carbon fibers showed higher values of tensile strength and young modulus. Synthetic fibers improved fracture toughness only when the fracture propagates in cross direction. In general, annealing process increased the degree of crystallinity of the composites. SEC results showed that samples lost around 23% and 94% of their molecular weight after compression molding and annealing process, which could have affected the mechanical behavior of the composite. Recommendations concerning the manufacturing of composites and suggestions for further experimental work are presented.