Glass fibre mechanical properties

Relation of Structure to Thermal and Mechanical Properties AMORPHOUS,GLASS-LIKE CRYSTALLINE, FIBRE-FORMING... 

The above comments refer to comparisons between the two compositions at the same glass-fibre level. If, however, comparison is made between a nylon 66 composition with a glass content of x% and a nylon 6 compound with a glass content of (x + 5)%, then the differences in mechanical properties become very small. At the same time the nylon 6 material will have slightly easier processing characteristics and surface quality. 

The mechanical properties of plastics materials may often be considerably enhanced by embedding fibrous materials in the polymer matrix. Whilst such techniques have been applied to thermoplastics the greatest developents have taken place with the thermosetting plastics. The most common reinforcing materials are glass and cotton fibres but many other materials ranging from paper to carbon fibre are used. The fibres normally have moduli of elasticity substantially greater than shown by the resin so that under tensile stress much of the load is borne by the fibre. The modulus of the composite is intermediate to that of the fibre and that of the resin. 

The highest mechanical strengths are usually obtained when the fibre is used in fine fabric form but for many purposes the fibres may be used in mat form, particularly glass fibre. The chemical properties of the laminates are largely determined by the nature of the polymer but capillary attraction along the fibre-resin interface can occur when some of these interfaces are exposed at a laminate surface. In such circumstances the resistance of both reinforcement and matrix must be considered when assessing the suitability of a laminate for use in chemical plant. Glass fibres are most commonly used for chemical plant, in conjunction with phenolic resins, and the latter with furane, epoxide and, sometimes, polyester resins. 

A pyrolysis technique was investigated as a method for the chemical recycling of glass fibre-reinforced unsaturated polyester SMC composites. The proeess yielded liquid products and gases and also a solid residue formed in the pyrolysis of glass fibres and fillers. The solid residue was used as a reinforeement/filler in unsaturated polyester BMC composites, and the influenee on mechanical properties was studied in comparison with BMC prepared entirely from virgin materials. 

Scholtens, B. J. R. and Brackman, J. C., Influence of the film former on fibre-matrix adhesion and mechanical properties of glass-fibre reinforced thermoplastics, J. Adhes., 52, 115 (1995). 

For the electricity electronics markets. Table 2.18 displays the performances and costs of six engineering thermoplastics reinforced with glass fibres and UL94 VO rated. The designer can choose between four levels of costs, five levels of water absorption and several levels of mechanical and thermal properties according to the requirements. 

To enhance mechanical properties and decrease wear, glass fibres are added to polymers but they are abrasive and attack the opposing surface. According to the circumstances they can also increase the coefficient of friction. 

Table 6.4 displays examples of the mechanical and physical properties of the three most important glass fibre types. 

Table 6.4 Typical mechanical and physical properties of varions glass fibres...

In all cases, carbon fibres lead to the highest mechanical performances compared to glass and aramid fibres. Nevertheless, their impact behaviour and price restrict their consumption. Glass fibres yield the cheapest composites but performances are more limited. Table 6.10 compares the properties of the main fibre types and shows some examples of properties for a nylon matrix reinforced with short fibres of the three types. 

These fibres are used for their thermal and fire properties combined with mechanical performances similar to those of glass fibres. Unfortunately, their price is three times higher than that of glass fibres and applications are reduced. 

Results are presented of experiments undertaken by Gaiker in the manufacture of sandwich panels containing foam cores based on PETP recycled by a solid state polyaddition process developed by M G Ricerche. Panels were produced with glass fibre-reinforced unsaturated polyester and epoxy resin skins, and allthermoplastic panels with PE, PP, PS and glass fibre-reinforced PETP skins were also produced. EVA hot melt adhesives and thermoset adhesives were evaluated in bonding glass fibre-reinforced PETP skins to the foam cores. Data are presented for the mechanical properties of the structures studied. 

Table 3.11 Mechanical properties of some fibre-reinforced sol-gel glass-matrix composites73...

Figures 9.19 and 9.20 present a survey of the mechanical properties of some (unidirectional) composites, in comparison with some other materials. In Figure 9.19 the values of modulus and strength are plotted as such, while in Figure 9.20 these values have been divided by the specific mass. From Figure 9.20 the enormous advantage of composites with respect to stiffness and strength per unit weight, in comparison to metals, is clearly visible. The modem carbon and aramide composites are superior to those based on glass fibres, for the specific stiffness even by a factor between 4 and 5.

The main function of the resin is, to provide an even stress distribution over the fibres. The mechanical properties of the composite depend, in the first place, on the amount of glass and on its distribution over the matrix. 

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