Effect of Reinforcement on Strength of Fibreglass Composites with Isophthalic Polyester Resin Matrix

Abstract

<span style="font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:" calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:="" "times="" new="" roman";mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-theme-font:="" minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"times="" roman";mso-ansi-language:en-us;="" mso-fareast-language:en-us;mso-bidi-language:ar-sa"="">The effect of form of glass reinforcement and nature of surface treatment on the strength and modulus of 'E' glass fibre isophthalic polyester resin composites has been studied. While surface hardness is of the same order in all cases, a certain percentage of voids content seems unavoidable in chopped strand mat composites. Woven roving gave the highest tensile strength. Satin weave fabric was superior to plain weave fabric in contributing to strength. Silane treatment of plain weave fabric contributed significantly to tensile strength and flexural strength, but not to flexural modulus. Satin weave fabric produced laminates with the highest stiffness. Heat cleaning and vinyl silane treatment did not enhance the stiffness and specific stiffness of the laminate.</span>