Monomer selection for in situ polymerization infusion manufacture of natural-fiber reinforced thermoplastic-matrix marine composites

Yang Qin*, John Summerscales, Jasper Graham-Jones, Maozhou Meng, Richard Pemberton

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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Abstract

Awareness of environmental issues has led to increasing interest from composite researchers in using “greener” materials to replace synthetic fiber reinforcements and petrochemical polymer matrices. Natural fiber bio-based thermoplastic composites could be an appropriate choice with advantages including reducing environmental impacts, using renewable resources and being recyclable. The choice of polymer matrix will significantly affect the cost, manufacturing process, mechanical properties and durability of the composite system. The criteria for appropriate monomers are based on the processing temperature and viscosity, polymer mechanical properties, recyclability, etc. This review considers the selection of thermoplastic monomers suitable for in situ polymerization during resin, now monomer, infusion under flexible tooling (RIFT, now MIFT), with a primary focus on marine composite applications. Given the systems currently available, methyl methacrylate (MMA) may be the most suitable monomer, especially for marine composites. MMA has low process temperatures, a long open window for infusion, and low moisture absorption. However, end-of-life recovery may be limited to matrix depolymerization. Bio-based MMA is likely to become commercially available in a few years. Polylactide (PLA) is an alternative infusible monomer, but the relatively high processing temperature may require expensive consumable materials and could compromise natural fiber properties.

Original languageEnglish
Article number2928
Pages (from-to)1-25
Number of pages25
JournalPolymers
Volume12
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 7 Dec 2020

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • Polymers and Plastics

Keywords

  • Monomer
  • Natural fiber
  • Thermoplastic
  • Vacuum infusion

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