Preparation and Characterization of Binary Polymer Blend Reinforced with Polypropylene, Carbon and Hybrid Fibers

In this study, a binary polymer blend was prepared and characterized before and after the reinforcement with polypropylene, carbon fibers and hybrid of both types. Epoxy/polyvinyl chloride (EP/PVC) blends were prepared with different weight ratios including (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20)% of (PVC). The influence of addition of (PVC) on the mechanical properties of epoxy resin was examined. The microstructure and impact fracture surfaces of the blends and their composites were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The experimental results show that the mixing ratio of 20% (PVC) has the highest impact strength compared to other ratios. The percentage (80/20) % of (EP/PVC) reinforced with carbon fibers records the highest values for both impact strength (I.S.) and Young s modulus (E); while the hybrid composite has higher Shore D hardness compared with other composites prepared from the same blend.