Activation of bifunctional coupling agents in fiberglass/polyethylene composites by electron beam

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science Vol. 83; no. 12; pp. 2579 - 2594
• Main Authors: Van Dyke, J. D., Gnatowski, Marek, Burczyk, Andrew
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Wiley Periodicals, Inc 21-03-2002; Wiley
• Subjects: Applied sciences; bifunctional compounds; Composites; coupling agents; electron beam radiation; Exact sciences and technology; fiberglass/polyethylene composites; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Technology of polymers; Heat treatment; Bifunctional compound; Fiber reinforced material; Mechanical properties; Electron beam; Tensile property; Experimental study; Composite material; Surface treatment; Coupling agent; Azides; Azo compound; Impact strength; Radiochemical degradation; Extrusion; Glass fiber
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/app.10208

Electron beam (EB) radiation was investigated as a means to initiate coupling between the fiberglass and plastic phases in fiberglass/polyethylene plastic composites using two bifunctional compounds, 12‐azido‐1‐diazo‐2‐dodecanone (A) and 1‐diazo‐17‐octadecene‐2‐one (B). Chemical studies reveal that EB radiation has the potential to bind both of these compounds to fiberglass. Fiberglass coated with either A or B shows reduced values of percentage recovery upon exposure to EB, indicating a reaction between these compounds and the glass surface. However, even 400 kGy of radiation was not as effective as a heat treatment for 45 min at 150°C. To test the effectiveness of EB radiation to couple these compounds to polyethylene, fiberglass samples were heat‐treated with compounds A and B, followed by extrusion mixing with polyethylene, and exposure of molded tensile and impact samples to EB radiation. Compound B showed the best overall ability to couple with the polyethylene matrix, but a 400‐kGy dose was necessary to bring about substantial coupling. At 400 kGy, samples containing B showed a 23% improvement in tensile properties and a 30% change in Izod impact. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 83: 2579–2594, 2002