Polymer Microfibrillar Composites

Microfibrillar Composites

What is about?

Most common thermoplastic polymers remain immiscible in the melt phase. This immiscibility causes phase separation and low adhesion between two phases, which results in low mechanical properties. Today, studying the phase separation of polymer blends is of huge importance for determining the performances of new polymeric materials. The microfibrillar composite (MFC) concept was found as a convenient way to convert non-compatible blends into fiber reinforced composites and improve the final mechanical properties such as strength and stiffness.                                                          

Objective of the research

The goal of this research is to apply the MFC concept to recycled polymer waste streams. Considering that the most of recycled plastics is a mixture of polyolefins and PET, this concept could be utilized in a wide range of everyday applications due to their improved mechanical properties.

Key publications

The Effect of Injection Molding Temperature on the Morphology and Mechanical Properties of PP/PET Blends and Microfibrillar Composites, http://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/8/10/355

The influence of draw ratio on morphology and thermal properties of MFCs based on PP and PET, https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/8087175

Type of funding and duration

Ghent University research funds, 2015-2021

Contact

Coordinator: Prof. Kim Ragaert
Researcher: Maja Kuzmanovic