Mechanical properties of random and fabric-reinforced resins

The short-term mechanical properties of resins reinforced with mats or fabrics are discussed. Grouping is by resin type for the principal types used for structural applications In contrast to properties in the fibre directions there are little data for transverse and out-of-plane directions. 

Mats and fabrics are extensively used as these are easy to lay-up and to wet-out and so form the basis of the GRP industry. 

Combinations of these two types of reinforcement exist in the form of combination mats and their properties tend to be the aggregate of the individual materials. Since many permutations are possible and few preferred types have emerged within the industry, some characteristic data are described. 

Random roving composites are produced by the spray-up method (section 11.2) in which an intimate mixture of roving and resin is sprayed into, or onto, a mould. Properties of aligned rovings are considered in the next chapter. 

For some thermosetting resins, notably polyesters, a variety of catalysts and accelerators is available and it is implicitly assumed that properties are always characteristic of fully cured composites (section 12.3). 

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MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF RANDOM AND FABRIC-REINFORCED RESINS... 

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