Glass-fiber-reinforced applications

Use of the products of chemical recycling of PET in the production of new PET resin has already been mentioned. In addition, the products from chemical recycling can be used as a feedstock in manufacturing of unsaturated polyesters, often for glass fiber-reinforced applications such as bath tubs, shower stalls, and boat hulls. Unsaturated polyesters have also found uses in polymer concrete. 

About 8,000 metric tons of peroxides were consumed in 1972. This consumption was strongly stimulated by the rapid growth in reinforced plastics (Ref 23). The largest volume product is benzoyl peroxide which is used in polystyrene and polyester markets for such items as toys, automobiles, furniture, marine, transportation and mil requirements. Also, methyl ethyl ketone peroxide is used in large volumes to cure (as a catalyst) styrene-unsatur-ated polyester adhesive resins used in mil ammo adhesive applications, as well as in glass fiber reinforced plastic products such as boats, shower stalls, tub components, automobile bodies, sports equipment, etc. The monoperesters are growing slowly because of some substitution of the peroxydicarbonates and azo compds (Refs 8,9 23)... 

Isham, A.B., Glass Fiber-Reinforced Elastomers for Automotive Applications—A Comparison of RIM Urethanes and Alternate Material Systems, Soc. Autom. Engl Meet., Preprint No. 760333, Feb. 1976. 

Typically, polyester resins are used for high-end applications that require excellent electrical and thermal resistance. When dimensional stability under load is more critical, glass fibers are incorporated to increase the heat distortion temperature and the stiffness of the part. Examples of glass fiber reinforced parts include electrical housings, electrical adapters, computer components, telephone housings, and light bulb sockets. When impact modified, polybutylene terephthalate can be injection molded to make car bumpers. 

The heat distortion temperature of styrene polymers is insufficient for some applications, but can be improved by copolymerization with monomers such as -methylstyrene or maleic anhydride. Maleic anhydride copolymers are excellently suited to the manufacture of foamed articles. The advantages of glass-fiber reinforcement are greater in such copolymers than in polystyrene itself. 

PCT forms the basis of a family of reinforced, crystalline plastics for injection molding. As mentioned above, the high melting point of the polymer is a key property, as this results in high heat deflection temperatures (HDTs) in glass-fiber-reinforced formulations. Good toughness, flow into the mold, and rapid crystallization are also important in these applications. 

Figure 15.1 Glass-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic polyesters applications (numbers represent percentages) [1]...

Uses. About 60% of the MA produced is used to make unsaturated polyester and aikyd resins, which are formed by reaction of MA with glycols. Polyester resins are used in the fabrication of glass fiber reinforced parts. Applications include boat hulls, automobile body parts, patio furniture, shower stalls, and pipe. Aikyd resins are mostly used in coatings (paint, varnish, lacquers, and enamels). MA also is widely used as a chemical intermediate in the manufacture of plasticizers and dibasic acids (fumaric, maleic, and succinic). About 15% of MA production goes into the manufacture of viscosity index improvers and dispersants used as additives in lube oils. Several agricultural chemicals are based on maleic anhydride, the best known being Malathion. 

As first described in Section 1.4.2, there are a number of ways of further classifying fiber-matrix composites, such as according to the fiber and matrix type—for example, glass-fiber-reinforced polymer composites (GFRP) or by fiber orientation. In this section, we utilize all of these combinations to describe the mechanical properties of some important fiber-reinforced composites. Again, not all possible combinations are covered, but the principles involved are applicable to most fiber-reinforced composites. We begin with some theoretical aspects of strength and modulus in composites. 

Some electrical properties of reinforcing fibers, composite resins, and the resulting composites are given in Tables 6.12, 6.13, and 6.14, respectively. These values should be taken as approximate only, especially for the composites, since fiber orientation, content, and field strengfh have an enormous impacf on fhe dielecfric properties of these materials. Some of the most widespread electrical applications for glass-fiber-reinforced epoxy systems are in printed circuit boards and electrical housing such as junction boxes. 

This moldable material primarily consists of TS polyester resin, glass fiber reinforcement, and filler. Additional ingredients, such as low-profile additives, cure initiators, thickeners, and mold-release agents are used to enhance the performance or processing of the material. As with any material, such as metallics and plastics, SMC can be formulated in-house or by compounders to meet performance requirements of a particular application such as tensile properties or Class A surface finish. Varying the type and percentage of the composition will result in variations in mechanical properties and processability. 

Application spectrum for glass fiber-reinforced plastics in I R Ciermany in 1996 ... 

Glass fiber reinforced polymers and resins have found widespread application as light weight construction materials. In addition, the properties of interfaces and. interphases play a crucial role in determining the ultimate mechanical and other properties in these and related applications. Since the corresponding length scales can be on the far sub-micrometer level, a more detailed insight requires local analysis techniques which provide materials contrast. 

Components of switches, relays, and connectors use glass fiber reinforced semicrystalline polymers, such as PA, PPS, PBT, and PET. The following requirements are important in these applications dimensional stability and precision, low moisture absorption, strength, resistance to creep, electrical insulating properties, and resistance to high working temperatures ( 85°C). 

Here, in particular, reinforced plastics like GF-UP (molding material of glass-fiber reinforced, unsaturated polyester resin) and SMC (laminar semifinished parts of glass fabric, fillers and unsaturated polyester resin) are concerned, as used in car and ship building. For these applications, suitable repair sets on the basis of unsaturated polyester resins are available that enable repair according to the following procedure ... 

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