In‐situ pultrusion of urea‐formaldehyde matrix composites. II: Effect of processing variables on mechanical properties

Abstract Unidirectional fiber reinforced urea‐formaldehyde (UF) composites have been prepared by the pultrusion processes. The effects of the processing parameters on the mechanical properties (flexural strength and flexural modulus, etc.) of the glass fiber reinforced UF composites by pultrusion has been studied. The processing variables investigated included die temperature, pulling speed, postcure temperature and time, filler type and content, and glass fiber content. The die temperature was determined from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) diagram, swelling ratio, and mechanical properties tests. It was found that the mechanical properties increased with increasing die temperature and glass fiber content, and with decreasing pulling rate. The die temperature, pulling speed, and glass fiber content were determined to be 220°C, 20–80 cm/min, and 60–75 vol%, respectively. The mechanical properties reached a maximum value at 10, 5, 5, and 3 phr filler content corresponding to the kaolin, talc, mica, and calcium carbonate, respectively, and then decreased. The mechanical properties increase at a suitable postcure temperature and time. Furthermore, the properties that decreased due to the degradation of composite materials for a long postcure time are discussed. POLYM. COMPOS., 27:8–14, 2006. © 2005 Society of Plastics Engineers