Abstract
The improvement of the interfacial adhesion of glass fibre reinforced polypropylene composites by heat treatment was studied. Polypropylene blended with short glass fibres was injection moulded. The moulded specimens were heat treated at various temperatures and for various times. Characterization of the mechanical properties of the samples was performed, including measurement of the critical fibre length. Impact tests were performed. The fracture surfaces were examined using a scanning electron microscope. The results show that the impact strength increased with the testing temperature. At 25°C, the impact strength was dominated by the fibre fracture mechanism. At temperatures above 120°C, it was strongly influenced by the PP matrix. At higher temperatures, the impact strength increased significantly because of the formation of extra cracks.