Development and characterization of insert injection moulded polypropylene single-polymer composites with sandwiched woven fabric

Abstract Polypropylene (PP) single-polymer composites (SPCs) with sandwiched woven fabric were successfully produced by insert injection moulding. The woven fabric was set in the middle of the mould cavity and fixed by the clamping force. The injected melt could fill and permeate the fibres from both sides of the woven fabric, so both improved mechanical properties and good appearance could be obtained. A processing temperature window (160–200 °C) with a short cycle time (less than 30 s) could be realized. Orthogonal experimental method was used. The tensile strength of the PP SPCs could reach up to 38.22 MPa, 45% higher than that of the non-reinforced PP. The effects of different processing parameters including nozzle temperature, injection pressure, holding pressure and holding time were discussed. Among the processing parameters, the nozzle temperature is the most important influence factor. The morphological properties were also observed using camera and microscope. It confirmed the processing temperature window and good interfacial adhesion.