Title: Fiberglass Composite Reinforcement with Nanocellulose Fiber Sizing

Authors: Ejaz Haque, Joyanta Goswami, Robert J. Moon, Douglas M. Fox, and Kyriaki Kalaitzidou

DOI: 10.33599/nasampe/s.19.1385

Abstract: Domestic automotive production has been undergoing a decades-long shift toward lightweight materials that aims to yield substantial economic and environmental benefits. In this time, research advances have been made that could theoretically enable industrial-scale production of composites that are even lighter than what currently dominates the market. However, these newer materials fail to strike the balance between weight, performance, and cost necessary to disrupt the status quo. One pathway to overcoming this challenge lies in the use of nanomaterial additives that are capable of enhancing overall composite properties without significantly impacting weight or cost. Nanocellulose is a promising nanomaterial for this application, as it exhibits a high strength to weight ratio and, as a plant-based biomaterial, can be produced abundantly and renewably. The goal of this work is to enhance fiber-matrix adhesion in fiberglass composites by incorporating nanocellulose on the glass fiber surface. In doing so, the mechanical properties of these composites are improved, establishing a theoretically scalable pathway toward reductions in glass fiber loading and, consequently, composite weight. Chemical and mechanical characterization shows that nanocellulose does indeed enhance the interface, and this effect can be tuned through adjustment of nanocellulose surface chemistry.

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Conference: SAMPE 2019 - Charlotte, NC

Publication Date: 2019/05/20

SKU: TP19--1385

Pages: 8

Price: FREE