Nonfibrous reinforcements

Nonfibrous Reinforcements. Because of the higher costs associated with nonasbestos fibers and the performance requirements needed in replacing asbestos, platy minerals such as mica and talc, and metal powders such as iron and copper, are being used as a portion of the total reinforcement package in NAOs. 

Nonfibrous reinforcements are also employed as reinforcements and fillers. They result in increased tensile strength and deflecdon temperature, but usually decrease impact resistance. Nonfibrous reinforcements are preferred when fabricating with exceptional flatness. The nonfibrous include mica, glass beads, and minerals such as wollastonite (talc, calcium carbonate, and kaolin are considered fillers). Unlike fibrous reinforcements the nonfibrous reinforcements can be processed by many different technologies. 

Reinforced plastics (RPs) hold a special place in the design and manufacturing industry because they are unique materials (Figs. 6-11 and 6-12). During the 1940s, RPs (or low-pressure laminates, as they were then commonly known) was easy to identify. The basic definition then, as now, is simply that of a plastic reinforced with either a fibrous or nonfibrous material. TSs such as polyester (Table 6-19) and E-glass fiber dominated and still dominates the field. Also used are epoxies. 

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