Abstract
Structural (SRIM) composites, comprising up to 40% by volume of random continuous glass fibres in a specially developed copoly(urea/isocyanurate) (PUrI) matrix, have been formed via reaction injection moulding (RIM). The two stage polymerisation process of the PUrI matrix provided low initial viscosity during mould filling followed by a 'snap cure' to give tough composite materials in <30 s. Characterisation by DMTA confirmed the two phase morphology of the rubber toughened glassy matrix. Mode I and mode II interlaminar fracture tests, carried out in accordance with the ESIS protocol, gave values of GIc and GIIc in the ranges 1·4-2·8 kJ m-2 and 3·3-5·0 kJ m- 2, respectively, and were an order of magnitude greater than those determined for unidirectional carbon fibre-epoxy composites. The GIc values for the SRIM composites are a factor of 2-3 greater than that (0·8 kJ m-2) for the unreinforced PUrI matrix and show significant variation due to extensive fibre bridging during crack propagation.
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