Fabrication of Aramid Fiber Knitted Fabric Reinforced Polypropylene Composites

Abstract

In this paper, the effects of fabrication conditions on mechanical properties of aramid fiber knitted fabric reinforced thermoplastic polypropylene composites have been investigated. Composite laminates were fabricated by variation of impregnation time and compression molding pressures. Impregnation of matrix resin into aramid fibers was identified by observing cross-sections of laminates. Tensile tests were carried out on samples cut from the laminates parallel to the wale and course directions. Tensile properties increased with increasing the impregnation time or the compression molding pressure. The tensile properties also display higher in wale direction than in course direction. SEM micrographs of fractured surfaces reveal poor adhesion between aramid fibers and polypropylene matrix.