Glass fibers fiberglass-reinforced composites

First-generation polymer composites (e.g., fiberglass) used thermosetting epoxy polymers reinforced with randomly oriented short glass fibers. The filled epoxy resin could be cured into a permanent shape in a mold to give lightweight, moderately strong shapes. 

Figure 5.100 Effect of glass fiber diameter on strength of reinforced polystyrene. Reprinted, by permission, from G. Lubin, Handbook of Fiberglass and Advanced Plastics Composites, p. 130. Copyright 1969 by Van Nostrand Reinhold.

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). 

In the context of corrosion, composites refer to glass or other fiber or flake-reinforced thermosetting resins. Composite products use for their anticorrosion properties are fiberglass-reinforced pipe and storage tanks, fiber-reinforced plastic grating, handrails, I-beams, and other shapes equal to these that are made of steel. 

Hazardous Decomp. Prods. Heated to decomp., emits toxic fumes of CL Uses Plasticizer for surface coatings adhesive for composites, metals, glass, ceramics casting metal-forming tools and dies encapsulation of elec, parts cements and mortars rigid foams fiberglass-reinforced plastics elec, dip coats varnishes fiber finishes industrial textile applies. stabilizer, modifier for other resins biomaterial for pharma-... 

Other sources of reinforcement are fibers like those of carbon and metal. Fibers can add rigidity and help prevent crack propagation. A common composite is fiberglass, which consists of small glass fibers embedded within a polymeric material that is typically an epoxy or polyester [11]. Epoxy resin is used as a structural matrix in the aerospace industry. It is also used as glue. 

Glass fibers also come in surface veil configuration. These veils are lightweight fiberglass reinforcement mats, customarily used to provide extra environmental protection and a smooth appearance, especially when used in conjunction with gel-coats (a special resin used to provide a high-quality finish on the visible surface of a fiber-reinforced composite material). 

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... 

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. 

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