Single-Polymer Composites (SPCs) : Status and Future Trends

Preparation, properties and applications of single-polymer composites (SPCs), representing an emerging family within the polymeric composite materials, have been surveyed. SPCs were classified in respect to their composition (one- and two-constituents), and preforms (non-consolidated and consolidated). SPCs composed of amorphous or semicrystalline matrices and semicrystalline reinforcements were considered. Methods to widen the temperature difference between the matrix- and reinforcement-giving materials of the same polymer (one-constituent) or same polymer type (two-constituent approach) have been introduced and discussed. Special attention was paid to the unsolved questions related to the interface/interphase in SPCs. It was emphasized that the development of SPCs is fuelled by the need of engineering parts in different applications which have low density and “ultimate” recyclability (i.e. reprocessing via remelting). Recent development of SPCs is supported by novel preform preparation, consolidation and production possibilities

Effects of Processing Parameters on Axial Stiffness of Self-Reinforced Polyethylene Composites

Self-reinforced polyethylene composites have proven to be promising candidate materials for a number of wear-resistance and bioimplant applications. In this study, we investigated the effects of processing parameters on the elastic modulus of self-reinforced high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composites. The processing parameters investigated were the cooling rate, processing pressure, temperature, and duration. Our results showed an optimum processing temperature, pressure, and duration that were matrix-dependent. In addition, for an HDPE matrix, the slower the composite cooling rate was, the higher the composite modulus was