Reinforcing Agents for Laminates

The effect of a filler appears after its content in the polymer matrix is sufficient to form a structure capable of transmitting an exterior load. Fillers function in the polymer matrix at short distances by affecting segments of the main chain and side groups, mainly at the polymer-filler interface, as well as at long distances (150-200 nm from the surface of the composite) through inter-molecular forces [19,26]. 

Glass fibers are used for maximum reinforcement, but prior to their use, they need to be delubricated (i.e., to be purified from any organic substance that might affect the adhesion between glass and the resin). Delubrication is done by any of the following methods  

Carbonization at 300°C of organic lubricants used to ease the spinning of glass fibers 

After delubrication of the fibers a coat of a substance (coupling agent, adhesion promoter) is spread over the glass fibers to enhance the adhesion between glass and the resin. As an example, methacrylato-chromium chloride (Volan A) 

4 Reinforcing Fillers, Reinforcing Agents, and Coupling Agents 

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