Reinforced thermoset composites tensile strength

Table 12.3 Selected tensile, flexural, and impact strengths of PALF-reinforced thermoset composites...

Plastics, particularly polymer-based composites (both thermoplastic and thermoset composites), have been exploited in transportation appUcations for decades. The use of common composites such as glass or carbon fiber reinforced unsaturated polyesters, epoxy, and poly(vinyl ester) matrices is well known. The unique advantage of composites is their strength (tensile strength 4-6 times that of steel) and stiffness, despite their lightweight. 

Adherent Technologies Inc. [8] has developed a process for the reclamation of carbon fibers from carbon/epoxy composites. It has studied the depolymerization of thermoset carbon fiber reinforced epoxy matrix composites using a low temperature (20 min at 325°Q catalytic tertiary recycling reclamation process and has been able to obtain a product with 99.8% carbon and 0.2% residual resin, with only a loss of about 8.6% in fiber tensile strength. The process can be economically viable, provided sufficient scrap feedstock is available. Possible applications for the recovered fiber include thermoplastic and thermoset molding compounds. 

Thermoset matrices have -moduli between 3000 and 4000 MPa while those of E-glass reinforcements are about 70 000 MPa. The tensile strength of glass fibers is around 2400 MPa and that of an UP resin about 50-60 MPa. The glass fiber content of the composite is usually between 25 and 75%. 

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