Cooling Fiber-matrix, adhesion

Poly(phenylene sulfide) (PPS) is another semicrystalline polymer used in the composites industry. PPS-based composites are generally processed at 330°C and subsequently cooled rapidly in order to avoid excessive crystallisation and reduced toughness. The superior fire-retardant characteristics of PPS-based composites result in appHcations where fire resistance is an important design consideration. Laminated composites based on this material have shown poor resistance to transverse impact as a result of the poor adhesion of the fibers to the semicrystalline matrix. A PPS material more recently developed by Phillips Petroleum, AVTEL, has improved fiber—matrix interfacial properties, and promises, therefore, an enhanced resistance to transverse impact (see PoLYAffiRS containing sulfur). 

Thermosets are often used in intimate contact with materials of much lower coefficient of linear thermal expansion p. A thermoset film may be coated on a surface, or sandwiched between two surfaces as an adhesive. A thermoset matrix may be filled with high-modulus fibers in aerospace structural materials and in other composite materials. A residual stress other material(s) to changes in temperature. The value of or typically reflects the balance between the driving force to produce residual stresses due to differential shrinkage upon cooling and the temperature-dependent capacity to relax these stresses. The worst such effects... 

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