Daiane Romanzini

Influence of fiber hybridization on the dynamic mechanical properties of glass/ramie fiber-reinforced polyester composites

This study aims to evaluate the influence of fiber hybridization and frequency on the dynamic mechanical properties of ramie/glass hybrid fiber-reinforced polyester composites. The storage modulus (E′), loss modulus (E″) and damping behavior (tan δ) were evaluated as a function of different relative glass/ramie fiber volume ratios. For the storage modulus, the importance of the reinforcement effect above Tg was revealed. Also, the peak height, peak width at half-height and relaxation area were investigated for the loss modulus and tan δ curves, showing the influence of a shoulder below Tg for each case. Finally, the tan δ peak shifts to higher temperatures by increasing the frequency. Higher activation energy was observed for 75% glass fiber-containing composites.

Influence of stacking sequence on the mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties of cotton/glass fiber reinforced polyester composites

This study focuses on the use of waste cotton fiber from the textile industry to produce composites with unsaturated polyester and to evaluate the performance of glass (G) / cotton (C) fiber laminates, particularly their mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties. Distinct stacking sequences were studied but the overall fiber content was kept constant. In general, hybrid laminates exhibited intermediate mechanical properties compared to those of the pure laminates, and optimum performance was obtained when the glass fiber mats were placed on the surfaces of the composite. Furthermore, some hybrid laminates exhibited superior dynamic mechanical performance, even compared to the pure glass laminate. Lower tan delta peak height (related to better fiber-matrix interaction) values and higher Tg were reported for the [C/G/ G ¯]s and [G/C/ C ¯]s samples which, together with the [G/C/ G ¯]s sample, exhibited the best results for reinforcement effectiveness and loss modulus peak height. Therefore, it is found possible to partially replace the glass fiber by waste cotton fiber considering that the final product may be optimized for mechanical property, which requires glass fiber at the surface of the laminate, or for dynamic mechanical properties, that allows higher cotton fiber content.

Mechanical and ballistic analysis of aramid/vinyl ester composites

This study focused on evaluating mechanical and dynamic-mechanical properties of polyaramid/vinyl ester composites, as a function of the fiber content. Furthermore, split Hopkinson pressure bar technique and V50 Ballistic limit tests were performed. Composites were prepared by resin transfer molding (RTM) with different fiber content, samples being identified as AD4, AD5 and AD6 (with 4, 5 and 6 polyaramid layers, respectively). Initially, fiber, void and matrix contents were calculated and statistically analyzed, in different regions of the composites. Mechanical and dynamical mechanical properties of the composites were improved by using higher fiber content. For example, impact strength of AD6 composite was 35% higher than AD4. Moreover, increase in the fiber content promoted an increase in tenacity and stress of the composites, in the same strain rate. Velocity limit in AD6 sample was estimated in ballistics tests and it was concluded that the composite obtained could accomplish the level I requisites of ballistic protection with V50 of 304 m.s−1.

Effect of sonication and clay content on the properties of unsaturated polyester/montmorillonite nanocomposites

The aim of this work is to evaluate the effect of sonication and clay content on the crosslinking and curing characteristics and the final properties of unsaturated polyester/montmorillonite nanocomposites. The Cloisite 30B clay (1, 3 or 5 wt.%) was dispersed in the resin by mechanical stirring and sonication at different ultrasonic amplitudes (20% and 30%). Amplitude is one of the most important parameter when reproducing sonication results. An increase in viscosity with clay incorporation, at 20% amplitude, was related to the better dispersion, corroborating differential scanning calorimetry results. The sequential diffractograms confirmed the influence of the clay on resin crosslinking and the curing process. An intercalated structure was observed for samples up to 3 wt.% of clay and an amplitude of 20% during sonication, corroborating the increase in flexural strength and lower values of coefficient of thermal expansion. Modulus increased with the incorporation of clay, whereas impact strength and linear burning rate declined.