Morphological investigations of polypropylene single-fibre reinforced polypropylene model composites

Melt-spun isotactic polypropylene (iPP) fibres have been prepared with modu li of about 12 GPa and strength of 730 MPa. Single-fibre model composites a re prepared by embedding constrained high-modulus iPP fibres in thin films of a matrix material based on the same isotactic polypropylene grade. The m orphology of these composites has been investigated by optical microscopy a nd low-voltage scanning electron microscopy techniques. After isothermal cr ystallisation from the melt a transcrystalline layer was found having lamel lar crystals grown perpendicular to the fibre axis. The work illustrates th at the processing of polypropylene fibre reinforced polypropylene composite s as self-reinforced single-polymer composite systems is feasible and that these composites may fulfil the demands for fully recyclable engineering co mposites. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. Ail rights reserved.