Reinforcement mechanisms limitations

The reinforcement by fillers increases as the filler concentration increases since the reinforcing mechanism is related to the presence of active sites on the filler surface which are available for reaction or interaction with matrix polymer. But this increase is limited by the effect a filler has on the rheological properties of a mixed material. There is a certain filler concentration above which the reinforcing effect of the dispersed filler is lost. Carbon black can serve as a simple example. Acetylene black has many useful properties but it cannot be used effectively for reinforcement because its structure does not permit high loadings whereas some furnace blacks can be loaded to high concentrations. 

Much of the research on the mechanism of geotextiles has identified limits for which the reinforcement mechanisms are considered to be effective. The influence of each mechanism tends to diminish with stronger subgrade conditions and as each additional... 

The ease of mixing has two aspects, one is ease of incorporation and the other is dispersion. How can the ease of mixing be quantified and how can it be related to the appropriate properties of a filler These questions concern characterisation of fillers and may be called the property-processability relationship. Whereas the effect of fillers on the performance of vnlcanisates has been quite extensively researched and the reinforcing mechanisms have been examined, the ease of mixing has not been investigated as much. This chapter is also limited to primarily qualitative discussions. Scientific investigation is very much in order. 

Most recent studies (69) on elevated temperature performance of carbon fiber-based composites show that the oxidation resistance and elevated temperature mechanical properties of carbon fiber reinforced composites are complex and not always direcdy related to the oxidation resistance of the fiber. To some extent, the matrix acts as a protective barrier limiting the diffusion of oxygen to the encased fibers. It is therefore critical to maintain interfacial bonding between the fiber and the matrix, and limit any microcracking that may serve as a diffusion path for oxygen intmsion. Since interfacial performance typically deteriorates with higher modulus carbon fibers it is important to balance fiber oxidative stabiHty with interfacial performance. 

Cement and Concrete Concrete is an aggregate of inert reinforcing particles in an amorphous matrix of hardened cement paste. Concrete made of portland cement has limited resistance to acids and bases and will fail mechanically following absorption of crystalforming solutions such as brines and various organics. Concretes made of corrosion-resistant cements (such as calcium aluminate) can be selected for specific chemical exposures. 

Note The principal reinforcement, with respect to quantity, is glass fibers, but many other types are used (cotton, rayon, polyester/TP, nylon, aluminum, etc.). Of very limited use because of their cost and processing difficulty are whishers (single crystals of alumina, silicon carbide, copper, or others), which have superior mechanical properties. 

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