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 o f polypropylene and of its short fiber composites, a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between processing conditions, fiber orientation distr ibution and final properties has been performed. This relationship was anal yzed 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 ail the samples tested an accurate analysis of t he fiber orientation distribution was performed and the results were relate d to the mechanical properties measured. The complex relationship between p rocessing conditions, fiber distribution and mechanical behavior has been d escribed by statistical correlations. This approach represents a useful alt ernative to the modeling route to predict the processing behavior of semicr ystalline polymers and of their composites.