Toughness Improvements in Plastic Composites: Tailoring Performance to Surface Chemistry

The final selection of a specific plastic composite for release for manufacture of exterior and under-the-hood parts may be frequently reduced to the consideration of three key criteria: appearance, final part cost and physical performance. With these goals in mind, the critical role of conventional versus new technical approaches for modification of the reinforcement plastic resin interface is emphasized.

By way of examples, the development of commercial parts is illustrated from two directions: changes in interface chemistry to meet specific reinforcement needs and, more importantly, the possible creation of an interphase in order to achieve tougher composites. Utility in both thermoset (RRIM) and thermoplastic composites is discussed.