TL;DR: In this paper, a critical review on the physical and chemical treatment methods that improve the fiber-matrix adhesion and their characterization methods is given, as well as a detailed characterization of these methods.
Abstract: An Important aspect with respect to optimal mechanical performance of fiber reinforced composites in general and durability in particular is the optimization of the interfacial bond between fiber and polymer matrix. The quality of the fiber-matrix interface is significant for the application of natural fibers as reinforcement for plastics. Since the fibers and matrices are chemically different, strong adhesion at their interfaces is needed for an effective transfer of stress and bond distribution throughout an Interface. A good compatibilization between cellulose fibers and non-polar matrices is achieved from polymeric chains that will favor entanglements and interdiffiusion with the matrix. This article gives a critical review on the physical and chemical treatment methods that improve the fiber-matrix adhesion and their characterization methods.
TL;DR: Utracki et al. as mentioned in this paper introduced the concept of polymer blends and their application in the field of polymers and polymers processing, including the use of high energy radiation in Polymer Blends technology.
Abstract: List of Authors. Preface. 1: Introduction to Polymer Blends L.A. Utracki. 2: Thermodynamics of Polymer Blends L.A. Utracki. 3: Crystallization, Morphological Structure and Melting of Polymer Blends G. Groeninckx, M. Vanneste, V. Everaert. 4: Interphase and Compatibilization by Addition of a Compatibilizer A. Ajji. 5: Reactive Compatibilization of Polymer Blends S.B. Brown. 6: Interpenetrating Polymer Networks L.H. Sperling, R. Hu. 7: The Rheology of Polymer Alloys and Blends L.A. Utracki, M.R. Kamal. 8: Morphology. of Polymer Blends T. Inoue. 9: Compounding Polymer Blends L.A. Utracki, G. Z.-H. Shi. 10: Polymer Blends Forming M.M. Dumoulin. 11: Use of High Energy Radiation in Polymer Blends Technology A. Singh, K. Bahari. 12: Properties and Performance of Polymer Blends S.F. Xavier. 13: Applications of Polymer Alloys and Blends J.J. Scobbo Jr., L.A. Goettler. 14: Aging and Degradation of Polymer Blends J.M.G. Cowie, I.J. McEwen, R. McIntyre. 15: Commercial Polymer Blends M.K. Akkapeddi. 16: Role of Polymer Blends' Technology in Polymer Recycling L.A. Utracki. 17: Perspectives in Polymer Blend Technolog L.M. Robeson. Appendix 1: International Abbreviations for Polymers and Polymer Processing, compiled by L.A. Utracki. Appendix 2: Miscible Polymer Blends, prepared by S. Krause, S.H. Goh. Appendix 3: Examples of Commercial Blends, compiled by L.A. Utracki. Appendix 4: Dictionary of Terms Used in Polymer Science and Technology, compiled by L.A. Utracki. Subject index.
TL;DR: In this article, it was shown that the Taylor limit for the breakup of a single drop in a matrix underpredicts the limiting particle size; this discrepancy is attributed to viscoelastic effects.
Abstract: This study shows that a limiting dispersed phase particle size exists at very low concentrations for polymer blends mixed in an internal batch mixer and two types of twin-screw extruders. The Taylor limit for breakup of a single drop in a matrix underpredicts the limiting particle size; this discrepancy is attributed to viscoelastic effects. For uncompatibilized blends, the final particle size increases with the dispersed phase concentration due to increased coalescence. The particle size distribution also broadens at higher concentrations. Using in-situ reaction during blending or adding premade diblock copolymers suppresses coalescence resulting in smaller particle size and narrower particle size distribution. Using premade block copolymers is not as efficient in stabilizing morphology as using reactive polymers. It is shown that the main advantage of using compatibilizers in polymer blends is the suppression of coalescence achieved through stabilizing the interface, not a reduction in the interfacial tension. There is a critical shear rate in polymer systems where a minimum particle size is achieved. A qualitative explanation of why this occurs is given based on droplet elasticity
TL;DR: In this paper, a critical assessment of the use of cellulosic materials for reinforcement in polymer composites is provided, focusing on structure-property interrelationships and the compatibilization of cellulose materials for optimal performance of composite materials.
Abstract: This review provides a critical assessment of the use of cellulosic materials for reinforcement in polymer composites. The review focuses on structure–property interrelationships and the compatibilization of cellulosic materials for optimal performance of the resulting composite materials. Optimal material and physical properties are characterized on the basis of the reinforcement’s physical dimension and the nature of the interface between reinforcement and matrix. We explore how very different cellulosic materials—bacterial, microcrystalline, microfibrillated or nanocrystalline—can cause distinctly different reinforcment.
TL;DR: In this paper, the distinction between degradation and biodegradation of biopolymers is discussed and the importance of their importance for practice is also discussed, as well as several examples of various approaches and their outcome.