Novel automated method for evaluating the morphological changes of cellulose fibres during extrusion-compounding of plastic-matrix composites

A novel method based on fluorescence optical microscopy has been developed for determining the fibre geometrical changes occurring during the melt processing of cellulose-reinforced composites, which are known to be closely related with composite properties. Determination of these changes is still a tedious and challenging task because existing methods are not well developed yet. The novel method proved its ability for explaining the screw configuration effects on the attrition bore by the fibres during extrusion-compounding of plastic-matrix composites. The percentage of fibres longer than the critical length parameter was revealed to highlight the mechanical degradation of fibres during compounding. The percentage of fines exhibited the clearest correlation with the differences in fibre content of composites. Relationships found between composite tensile properties and fibre characterization parameters revealed the ability of the novel method for explaining the effects of composition and processing on composite properties. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.