Glass fiber reinforced polymer matrix

M. M. Thwe, and K. Liao, Durability of bamboo-glass fiber reinforced polymer matrix hybrid composites. Composites Science and Technology, 63,375-387 (2003). 

D. Romanzini, H.L. Ornaghi Jr, S.C. Amico and A.J. Zattera, Preparation and characterization of ramie-glass fiber reinforced polymer matrix hybrid composites. Mater. Res. 15, 415-420 (2012). 

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. 

Figure 5.87 Predicted tensile moduli for continuous, unidirectional glass-fiber-reinforced epoxy matrix composite. Reprinted, by permission, from N. G. McCrum, C. P. Buckley, and C. B. Bucknall, Principles of Polymer Engineering, 2nd ed., p. 259. Copyright 1997 by Oxford University Press.

The composition and properties of some common reinforcing fibers were given earlier in Table 1.31, the most common of which is glass fiber. The compositions of some commercial glass fibers were given earlier in Table 1.32, and the most common polymer matrices were given in Table 1.28. For this section, we will concentrate on discontinuous-glass-flber-reinforced polymer-matrix composites. 

In a recent study, the interphases for different fiber/polymer matrix systems were investigated. By using phase imaging the differences in local mechanical property variation in the interphase of glass fiber reinforced epoxy resin (EP) and glass fiber reinforced polypropylene matrix (PP) composites could be unraveled. As shown in Fig. 3.68, the glass fiber, the interphase and the PP matrix can be differentiated based on their surface mechanical properties as assessed qualitatively by TM phase imaging. 

Fibers are classified as natural or synthetic. Fibers are used as a reinforcement material to increase the mechanical properties of polymer composites [31]. Synthetic fibers have been successfully used as the reinforcing material in composites such as carbon fiber, glass fiber, and Kevlar fiber. Glass fiber is a well-known example of a reinforcement material for polyolefin matrix. Polypropylene is a composite of increasing interest in automotive and other applications [32]. Figure 6.3 illustrates a glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene matrix. 

PBT is mainly used as a glass-fiber-reinforced engineering thermoplastic. Glass-fiber-reinforced polymer is a composite material made of a polymer matrix reinforced by fine fibers made of glass, which are known by the name of the reinforcing fibers themselves fiberglass. 

Biocomposites consisting of the polymer matrix and natural fibers are environmen-tally-friendly material which can replace glass fiber-reinforced polymer composites, and are currently used in a wide range of fields such as the automotive and construction industries, electronic components, sports and leisure, etc. [1, 2]. Recently, the research on nanobiocomposites which are reinforced with both natural fiber and nanofiller is actively proceeding in order to offer higher thermal and mechanical properties, transport barrier, thermal resistivity and flame retardance in comparison with the conventional biocomposites [3-7]. Recently, nanoclay has become of increasing interest in nanocomposites because the characteristics of nanometer-scaled sihcate pellets, such... 

FIGURE 13.12 Composite coefficient of friction for polyester-based matrix material. Symbol legend Glass fiber-reinforced polymer O-parallel, A-antiparallel, Steel-reinforced polymer -parallel, A-antiparallel, H-normal, carbon fiber-reinforced polymer -parallel, A-antiparallel, B-normal. (Reprinted from Friction and Wear of Polymer Composites, Composite Materials Series, Friedrich, K., ed., 1, T. Tsnkizoe and N. Ohmae, pp. 212-220, Elsevier, New York, 1986, with permission from Elsevier.)... 

The piezoelectric material itself may be a composite. For example, combinations of piezoelectric polymers and piezoelectric ceramics have been made. Spom and Schoenecker discuss ceramic fibers in a polymer matrix. First, PZT fibers with diameters <30 mm oriented uniaxially in a planar fiber architecture along with interdigital electrodes. Then the fiber/electrode architectures are embedded within glass fiber-reinforced polymers and the fibers are poled and become piezoelectric. 

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