Fiberglass-reinforced thermosetting applications

Applications of Fiberglass-Reinforced Thermosetting Resin Pipe... 

The resin matrix can be either thermosetting or thermoplastic. Thermosetting resins such as epoxy, polyimide, polyester, and phenolic are used in applications where physical properties are important. Polyester and epoxy composites make up the bulk of the thermoset composite market. Of these two, polyesters dominate by far. Reinforced with glass fiber, these are known as fiberglass-reinforced plastics (FRPs). FRPs are molded by layup and spray-up methods or by compression molding either a preform or sheet molding compound (SMC). 

Furan FF 175°C Best chemical resistance of thermosets, can be reinforced with fiberglass for structural applications, but difficult to mold... 

PPE was also blended with some commercial epoxy resins (Chao et al. 1993) to improve the dielectric properties (lower the dielectric constant), toughness, and moisture resistance of the cured thermoset. These formulations with fiberglass reinforcements were used for the printed circuit boards and other electronic applications. In one formulation of epoxy resin (Epon 825, Shell) cured with aluminum alkoxide, incorporation of 30 % PPE increased the tensile elongation at break for the epoxy thermoset from <2 % to 17 %. The HOT was increased from 60 °C to 195 °C. The dissolution of PPE in the epoxy raised its viscosity from 0.2 to 400 Pa.s. (Anonymous 1991). 

ATH came into wide use as a flame retardant in the 1960s, primarily as a result of demands of consumer-driven safety legislation for carpet backing and fiberglass-reinforced polyester products. For these applications, ATH imparts flame retardance and smoke suppression. End-use markets for ATH include transportation, construction, cast polymers, electrical/electronic, wire and cable, leisure and appliances. Specific polymer applications range from thermosets such as solid surface, sheet molding compounds (SMCs) and bulk molding compounds (BMCs) to wire and... 

ASTM D2996 Standard Specification for Filament-Wound Fiberglass (Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Thermosetting-Resin) Pipe. Applicable to epoxy, polyester, and furan resins in sizes from 1 in. to 16 in. (25 mm to 400 mm)... 

ASTM D3262 Standard Specification for Fiberglass (Glass-Fibre-Reinforced Thermosetting-Resin) Sewer Pipe. Applicable for pipes 8 in. through 144 in. (200 mm through 3600 mm) diameter, with or without siliceous sand, and polyester or epoxy resin... 

The widespread application of fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) composites has prompted comparative testing for resistance to bleaching solutions [107], Coupons were prepared in accordance with ASTM C 581 (Practice for Determining Chemical Resistance of Thermosetting Resins Used in Glass Fiber-Reinforced Structures Intended for Liquid... 

Because of the need for strength in structural applications, thermoset polymers are usually used with fiber reinforcement, the most common of which is fiberglass. Since there are now several different materials forming the composite, degradation of the composite can be complex because each material can degrade separately or simultaneously. In addition, there are concerns about the degradation of the interface between the polymer and reinforcement. 

The use of nanocomposites to reinforce traditional composites has also been increasing and will continue to be a near-term trend. The emphasis for these applications, however, has been on additional mechanical reinforcement rather than flammability reduction.Since more traditional fiber-filled composites are exposed to fire risk scenarios, it makes sense to use a nanocomposite with the traditional composite to improve both mechanical and flammability performance. Of course, this does create an additional level of complexity, especially in handling the large increases in viscosity seen with nanocomposites used with thermoset composites. At this time, most nanocomposite-fiberglass/carbon fiber composites are used for military and aerospace applications, but the benefit of lightweight materials may also move these materials into automotive and mass transportation (e.g., bus, rail), where flammability performance is strongly needed. 

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