Moulding compounds fibre orientation

With mixed aramid fibre/particulate flake compositions in polycarbonate, however, the previously mentioned processing operations significantly reduced the levels of fibre and flake orientation relative to corresponding observations with single particle compounds [167]. For example, in sheet extrusion and injection moulding, the flakes oriented perpendicular to the fibres losing their biaxial orientation parallel to the surrounding machine surfaces. 

The following techniques are useful for analysis and charaterization for the sizing on the fibres SEM, IR and 6PC of extracts, IGC and DMA (T ) for the fibre-matrix bond micro bond, micro failure with SEM [2], confocal laser scanning microscopy [3] DMA, flexural strength, ILSS and impact of the uni-directional composites (fixed fibre length, orientation and volume fraction distributions). After this detailed analysis, the fibres are tested in their application, which is an injection moulded compound for thermoplasts, where the microstructure (fibre length, fibre orientation and fibre-fibre distance distributions) as well as the fibre- matrix adhesion determine the mechanical properties. 

To maximise the mechanical properties of short fibre-reinforced thermoplastic composites, it is necessary to achieve effective stress transfer between fibre and polymer matrix and appropriate fibre alignment in the finished component relative to the direction of applied stress. The former requirement is governed primarily by the method of compounding, whilst fibre orientation is very dependent on moulding conditions [76]. 

The moulding compounds separate into those using thermosetting resins (SMC, BMC, DMC) and thermoplastics (TSC, GMT) and are used with specific processes (Table 11.9). These can contain either random, chopped or orientated glass fibres (Table 2.7). As compounds are developed for specific properties and applications, both the process route and property level are known and will be reproducible. 

---