Journal
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
Volume 50, Issue -, Pages 81-92Publisher
ELSEVIER SCI LTD
DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2013.02.001
Keywords
Mechanical properties; Environmental degradation; Analytical modeling
Funding
- United States National Science Foundation through CMMI [0900325]
- California Environmental Protection Agency's Department of Toxic Substances Control [07T3451]
- Div Of Civil, Mechanical, & Manufact Inn
- Directorate For Engineering [0900325] Funding Source: National Science Foundation
Ask authors/readers for more resources
Biobased wood-plastic composite materials were prepared using wood fibers as reinforcement in a microbial polyester matrix derived from poly(beta-hydroxybutyrate)-co-poly(beta-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV). This paper discusses the influence of moisture on the morphological and flexural mechanical properties of PHBV/wood flour composites. The effect of two fiber-matrix chemical modifications on enhancing composite durability in wet environments was assessed. Physicochemical changes to the matrix microstructure were further investigated using gel permeation chromatography and differential scanning calorimetry. A micromechanical analytical model is presented that predicts the onset of matrix cracking in wood-plastic composites upon exposure to moisture. The model is based on a hollow cylinder subjected to an internal pressure that is induced by the hydroexpansion of wood fiber reinforcement. Monte Carlo simulations were employed to account for statistical uncertainty in constituent mechanical properties as well as seasonal fiber variability. The model was validated using both optical microscopy techniques and experimental mechanical results. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available