Separation of polymers during plastic recycling is expensive, and typically causes a decrease in mechanical properties of final recycled products. It is essential to investigate new methods to overcome the problem of immiscibility in polymer waste streams and improve the processing and performance of polymer blends. As a possible technology for recycling of polymer blends, the microfibrillar composites (MFC) concept is proposed when two non-miscible polymers are melt-blended, stretched and moulded to manufacture polymer-polymer composites. The major advantage of the MFC concept lies in developing in situ microfibrils, creating a highly homogeneous distribution of the fibre reinforcing phase within the matrix phase. Furthermore, plasma treatment is a technique that has been used to alter chemical surface characteristics of fibres or polymers to achieve uniform dispersion of the components and high interfacial adhesion between incompatible constituents in composites. However, this technique has mainly been applied for surface treatment of polymers.
In this project, the student team will investigate effects of plasma treatment on manufacture and mechanical properties of microfibrillar composites. Experimental parametric studies will be performed to determine desirable plasma treatment parameters for fibril formation and enhancement of composites properties. Moreover, the team will investigate correlations between morphology and mechanical properties of polymer blends, fibrils and composites. Both compression and injection moulding processes will be employed to fabricate MFCs and study reinforcing effects of microfibrils depending on length and orientation on the mechanical properties of composites.
Undergraduate
The project team will develop an understanding of the effects of plasma treatment on the manufacturing and mechanical properties of MFCs. The students will establish knowledge on the atmospheric pressure plasma treatment and morphological development of thermoplastic polymers during the MFCs processing. Furthermore, the students will gain experience on MFCs manufacturing including compounding, fibrillation and composite moulding. This project is part of a large 5-year MBIE funded projects, the student will therefore have a great opportunity to interact with other researchers in a large multi-disciplinary team.
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CACM - Strength of Materials Lab (Newmarket 902 Lvl 3, Lab)