Mechanical reinforcement requirements

Unlike mechanical reinforcement, which benefits from individualization of the particles, achieving electrical conductivity in the polymer matrix requires some level of ag-... 

A number of parallel future efforts are required in the Ti-B alloy system. The primary objective of future work is to eliminate primary TiB. Efforts to optimize processing to achieve the balance of first and second tier mechanical properties required for fracture-critical applications are also underway. Ti-B alloys may be considered as a matrix for continuously reinforced Ti MMCs, where the exceptional specific strength and stiffness of Ti-B alloys may help overcome current weaknesses in Ti-MMCs. In addition to the Ti-B alloys discussed here, exploration and development of similar in-situ eutectic composites are underway. Specifically, extensive efforts on the Ti-Si system are being pursed [12], and results similar to those reported here are now being obtained. These results are discussed in detail elsewhere in this volume. 

It is common practice to add fillers, such as talc or glass fibers, to a thermoplastic matrix to achieve cost reduction and mechanical reinforcement, as well as to enhance various properties such as electrical conductivity, thermal properties, and dimensional stability. Large amoimts of conventional micron-size fillers are typically required in these formulations, which results in deterioration of processability and surface appearance. 

Wet process (high strength). As can be seen in Fig. 2.17, this process involves the use of mixers, mobile carts, air-diying rooms, prebreakers, hammer mills, lenders, and extruders. The basic purpose of the entire process is to provide minimum reinforcement degradation so as to maintain sufficient fiber integrity to meet the various mechanical strength requirements which are generally set by military or commercial specifications. 

Carpet waste for soil and concrete reinforcement requires only a simple and inexpensive shredding process. For soil applications, virtually all types of carpet are suitable, and therefore sorting is not necessary. For concrete reinforcement, only nylon and polypropylene carpet should be used. It is also possible to mechanically remove nylon face fibers from a nylon carpet to produce nylon resins and use the less-valuable residual, composed of mostly polypropylene backing, for concrete and soil reinforcement. 

The door-mounted rear view mirror with a plastic body, now a virtually universal feature, was a French innovation, introduced with the Renault 14 in 1976. The great majority of today s mirror housings are moulded in glass reinforced nylon, in a variety of formulations based on both PA 6 and PA 66. Black UV-stabilized grades are normally used, with body colours an added refinement for high series models (see Fig. 5.20). Reinforced nylon is used because of the mechanical performance requirements of remote-controlled mirrors, especially the creep resistance needed for the mechanisms to survive the touch-up ovens. The precise grade selection depends on whether die-castings are used for any of the structural elements (still the... 

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