Materials for Reinforcement

Based on the technology developed for using PVA fiber as a replacement for asbestos in cement products, Kuraray has been developing thick fibers for reinforcing concrete (42). Super-thick fibers with a thickness of 39 tex (350 den) (200 p.m in diameter) to 444 tex (4000 den) (660 p.m in diameter) are now available the 39 tex material is used for reinforcing various mortar-based cement products and the 444 tex material for reinforcing concrete in civil engineering works such as tuimels, roads, harbors, and bays. 

TSs, like TPs, offer a wide range of matrix materials for reinforcement by fibers, flakes, beads, or particulate materials such as talc and mica. They are compounded with reinforcing materials. Among the fibers, glass is the main reinforcement. Examples of these TPs follow ... 

In this Chapter, we report on some examples of nanocomposites with CNTs, highlighting a meshwork of interactions between the mechanical, electrical and optical properties of CNTs and the interface with the polymer matrix. CNTs are considered ideal materials for reinforcing fibers due to their exceptional mechanical properties. Functionalization of CNTs seems to be the most effective way to incorporate these nanofibers into the polymer matrix. It is generally accepted that the fabrication of high-performance nanotube-polymer composite depends on the efficient load transfer from the host matrix to the tubes. If the percentage of nano-reinforcements is very low or if it is well-dispersed, there are more strong interfaces that slow down the progress of a crack. ... 

Mat A fibrous material for reinforced plastic use consisting of randomly oriented chopped filaments or swirled filaments with a binder. 

Review articles and books [4-14] were helpful to collect the relevant literature the recently published book series [15] should be the materials for reinforcing the databases. These and other secondary sources including Chem. Abstr. were used for cross-checking. Although more than 6000 references collected have not yet been compiled completely into the databases, the data input and output are exemplified as follows ... 

The good tensile properties achievable with fibers made from PK-EP-6 make it an obviously attractive material for reinforcement in rubber applications, such as tires, hoses, and belts. In view of the inherent structure of aliphatic polyketones, which is vulnerable to photolytic attack if not adequately protected, direct exposure to sunlight should be limited, which is avoided in the case of rubber reinforcements. 

Troger F, Wegener G, Seeman C. Miscanthus and flax as raw material for reinforced particleboards. Ind Crop Prod 1998 8 113-121. 

The interest on natural-based materials for reinforcement of polymer matrices has been increased in recent years. In this section, we focus the attention on the reinforcement effect of cellulose, starch or chitin fillers on the thermal properties of PU-based materials. These nanofillers can be obtained from natural and renewable sources and can be processed in several ways presenting different morphologies, such as nanowhiskers, nanofibers, or nanoparticles. In particular, cellulose can be processed by hydrolysis reaction of different cellulose sources in order to obtain cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) [72]. In Figure 7.3, the CNC structure is shown. The CNC present a diameter of about 19 nm. [72]. 

Because of its unique properties, the novel functional polymer 2SiPAS is expected to have applications not only for a biomaterial, but also as an effective material for reinforcement of composites. 

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