Wettability and interphase adhesion of molten thermoplastics on glass fibres

Abstract

Direct contact angle measurements were performed between different molten thermoplastics, polypropylene (PP), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene (MAPP), on smooth glass fibres and smooth glass plates. The matrices were selected as model systems for the investigation of the fibre–matrix interphase, based on the difference in surface energies between PP and PVDF (physical interactions) and the effect of chemical bonding between PP and MAPP. In this way, physical and chemical adhesion were studied independently. The mechanical strength of the interfaces was then assessed by single fibre pull-out tests. The interfacial strength and the wettability of molten thermoplastics correspond well to the predictions based on the calculation of the theoretical work of adhesion between the matrices and the fibre surfaces for PP and PVDF; however, the wetting behaviour of molten MAPP is affected by the MA content if compared with the surface energy analysis made at room temperature. The hypothesis is that the wetting behaviour of molten MAPP is mainly related to chemical interaction of MA groups with the glass surface rather than a variation in surface energy.