Novel Fiber-Sizings for Simultaneous Impact/Structural Performance from Glass Reinforced Composites

摘要

Achieving optimal structural response with concurrent high energy absorption capability in a glass fiber reinforced composite may be obtainable through a "materials by design" approach and modification of current commercially formulated silane based fiber sizing packages. Control of post-failure behavior during an impact event can be enhanced by increasing frictional energy absorbed during fiber-matrix pullout through control of the surface roughness and texture of the glass fibers. Such a glass fiber surface treatment can be envisioned and realized using sol-gel reactions. In the present study, a unique silane based hybrid fiber sizing formulation has been successfully applied at a commercial E-glass manufacturing facility to produce rovings as well as woven fabric reinforcements. Epoxy matrix-glass fiber reinforced composites were manufactured using these specialty rovings and the preliminary structural and impact energy response was measured. The interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of the composites reinforced with fibers treated with the hybrid silane formulation was 49.9 ±6.1 MPa, in comparison to a standard epoxy compatible structural fiber sizing which showed an IFSS of 40.3 ± 0.9 MPa. Drop tower impact testing revealed an increase in energy to maximum load from 80.42 ±12.70 J for the epoxy compatible sizing to 110.47 +7.75 J for the hybrid fiber sizing, for impact energies of 120 J. The impact behavior of the composite samples was identical at lower input energy levels, suggesting that it may be possible to gain energy absorption capability in a fiber reinforced composite without-sacrificing structural strength.