Performance of Hybrid Reinforcements in PVC Composites: IV. Use of Surface-Modified Glass Fiber and Different Cellulosic Materials as Reinforcements

The influence of the composition of various cellulosic materials to surface-treated glass fiber on the mechanical properties of PVC composites have been evaluated. In order to improve the adhesion of cellulosic materials to glass fiber and PVC, cellulosics underwent various surface treatments. The properties of the composites filled with glass fiber only are superior to those of cellulosics-filled composites. Except impact strength of glass fiber-filled composites and modulus of the composites, in general, the properties are inferior with respect to unfilled polymer. Properties of the hybrid composites comprising cellulosics and glass fiber, and composites containing only cellulosics enhanced only when the cellulosic materials were surface modified. The compositions of cellulosics and glass fibers, where properties improved most, varied with the nature of cellulosic materials and their surface treatments.