Testing Tensile Strength

Today (5/31/12) the group began testing the tensile strength of the PLA/flax composites. In order to test them the composites had to be shaped in a certain fashion. Upon cutting the composites to the desired shape some of them broke and became untestable. Two sheets were tested in total. More testing will be completed next week. Pictures and data will follow.

On a different matter, the group has still not gained access to an SEM to evaluate the composites.

Testing PLA/flax Composites

Testing will begin this week on the PLA composites. Testing on the tensile strength will take place on Thursday (05/31/12.) A date for using a SEM is still to be determined.

Viewing PLA/Flax Composite

Today (05/23/12) the group attempted to view a sample of a PLA/flax composite under a laboratory microscope. Unfortunately the group was unable to determine if the flax had behaved the way in which we expected (i.e. it embedded itself into the PLA sheets.) The group needs to gain access to an scanning electron microscope (SEM) in order to get a better view at the composition. A picture taken with the microscope used today is attached to this post and is also available on the "Photos" page.

Black area of picture represents flax fibers

New Document Posted

A document explaining the manufacturing of the PLA and flax composites has been posted to the "Documents" page.

Website Content Updates

More content has been added/updated to the website including an abstract, project responsibilities, and photos. Please be sure to check it out.

PLA/Flax Composites

On Thursday (5/17/12) the group manufactured composite PLA sheets with flax. Photos have been posted of the composites. A document explaining the manufacturing process and measured results will be posted soon.

New Photos Posted

Photos of the manufacturing process and the completed PLA sheets are now posted on the "Photos" page.

New Document Posted

Please review the document "Manufacturing PLA Sheets" on the "Documents" page. This document reviews the most recent attempt at making PLA sheets. More pictures are soon to follow.

Attempt #2

On Wednesday (5/9/12) PLA was melted in the oven on a metal plate.  There were then 0.500 mm spacers placed on the plate, then a weighted plate was placed on top.  After a cool down period, the PLA was removed however, the PLA was not compressed into a 0.500 mm thick sheet.  The sheet did not compress, and was run though a planer.  This however, also did not work.  The sheet was sanded down to an average thickness of 0.800 mm.  Upon meeting with Dr. Palmese today he suggested that the group now try compressing the sheets between two heated plates.  Hopefully, this will occur on Friday (5/11/12.)

Melting PLA Pellets (cont.)

Today, upon manufacturing the sheet of PLA, the group has determined that the current method did not work.  The melting process took much longer than anticipated and the PLA did not have the viscosity that the group had hoped. 

Today, the group met with Dr. Palmese and he suggested that the group use a method involving heating, then compressing the PLA to create sheets of a desired thickness.  The group will be attempting this on 5/9/12.

Melting PLA Pellets

The group went to the lab this previous Friday (05/04/12) and attempted to melt PLA pellets and form them into a sheet of PLA. Upon leaving the lab on Friday the pellets did not melt as the group had predicted. Photos have been posted on the "Photos" page. A more detailed explanation of the melting process will follow after the group returns to the lab later today (05/07/12.)

Power Outage in Bossone

Due to reasons outside of the groups' control, the group was unable to go to the lab on Tuesday.  As a result, the group will be going to the lab on Friday at noon.