Fiber orientation control of short‐fiber reinforced thermoplastics by ram extrusion

AbstractIn this study we examine the fiber orientation distribution, fiber length and Young's modulus of extruded short‐fiber reinforced thermoplastics such as polypropylene. Axial orientation distributions are presented to illustrate the influence of extrusion ratio on the orientation state of the fibrous phase. Fibers are markedly aligned parallel to the extrusion direction with increasing extrusion ratio. The orientation state of extruded fiber‐reinforced thermoplastics (FRTP) is almost uniform throughout the section. The control of fiber orientation can be easily achieved by means of ram extrusion. Experimental results are also presented for Young's modulus of extruded FRTP in the extrusion direction. Young's modulus follows a linear trend with increasing extrusion ratio because the degree of the molecular orientation and the fiber orientation increases. The model proposed by Cox, and Fukuda and Kawada describes the effect of fiber length and orientation on Young's modulus. The value of the orientation coefficient is calculated by assuming a rectangular orientation distribution and calculating the fiber distribution limit angle given by orientation parameters. By comparing the predicted Young's modulus with experimental results, the validity of the model is elucidated. The mean fiber length linearly decreases with increasing extrusion ratio because of fiber breakage due to plastic deformation. There is a small effect on Young's modulus due to fiber breakage by ram extrusion.