Performance optimisation of glass fibre mat reinforced polypropylene composites using statistical experimental design

The effects of various factors influencing the mechanical properties of glass fibre (GF) mat reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites were investigated by statistical experimental design using an orthogonal array. Experimental factors include GF content, GF length, species of silane coupling agents, treatment concentration of silane coupling agent, and so on. Flexural modulus and flexural strength were chosen as characteristic values. Styryl silane coupling agent (STS) was more effective in improving the flexural properties of GF mat/PP composites than vinyl silane (VTS); an optimum silane treatment concentration existed. Flexural modulus increased with GF content, but flexural strength was not influenced much. The flexural strength of the GF mat/PP composite was increased with GF length, but it did not affect flexural modulus. The expected flexural property values calculated by statistical experimental design were successfully confirmed by experiment.