Abstract
The tensile strength of single water-sized E-glass fibres that were thermally conditioned, either in air or under vacuum, was investigated. The vacuum removed water from the conditioning atmosphere, as well as the fibre surfaces, at room temperature but retained tensile strength of fibres treated in the absence of water were not significantly different from those thermally conditioned in a standard air furnace. The results suggest that water, either in the treatment atmosphere or on the surface of the fibres, is not a significant factor in fundamental glass fibre strength loss at an elevated temperature. It may, therefore, be necessary to consider alternative theories to explain this strength loss.
Highlights
Glass fibre (GF) is the most widely used reinforcement fibre for polymer composites due to its relatively high specific properties and low cost
Removal of water by room temperature pre‐drying under vacuum was investigated before
Removal of water by room temperature pre-drying under vacuum was investigated before undertaking the thermal conditioning of single fibre samples, whose tensile properties were to be undertaking the thermal conditioning of single fibre samples, whose tensile properties were to be measured
Summary
Glass fibre (GF) is the most widely used reinforcement fibre for polymer composites due to its relatively high specific properties and low cost. A large percentage of this GF is used in thermosetting matrices; the resulting composites are problematic from the manufacturing waste and end-of-life recycling perspective. Thermoset based composites often contain high contents of GF which may be considered the most valuable fraction if they could be recovered [2]. The most technologically advanced techniques for separation of fibre from matrix are thermal recycling methods [2,3]. The strength of recovered fibres is very poor; a strength loss of 70% or more is commonplace [4,5,6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
