Analysis of the Relationship between Processing Conditions-Fiber Orientation-Final Properties in Short Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene

Within the general objective of analyzing and modeling the processability of polypropylene and of its short fiber composites, a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between processing conditions, fiber orientation distribution and final properties has been performed. This relationship was analyzed for injection molded plates and studied as a function of the position in the plate. Final properties analyzed were impact strength, and flexural and elasticity modulus. In all the samples tested an accurate analysis of the fiber orientation distribution was performed and the results were related to the mechanical properties measured. The complex relationship between processing conditions, fiber distribution and mechanical behavior has been described by statistical correlations. This approach represents a useful alternative to the modeling route to predict the processing behavior of semicrystalline polymers and of their composites.