Study of Fiber Breakage and Length Distribution During Compounding Glass-NBR-Phenolic Composites

Abstract

: One of the main criteria in preparation of short fiber composites in fiber length retention and distribution during compounding. This is because the mechanical properties of short fiber composites depend strongly on the fiber length and distribution. In this study, 50 mm glass fibers were used to make a glass-nitrile rubber (NBR)-Phenolic composite on a two-roll mill. Fiber breakage during the manufacturing process was investigated and a fiber length distribution was obtained at various mixing times. A reduction in fiber length was observed as mixing proceeded and an average fiber length was determined for different mixing times. It was concluded that for a particular matrix processing, conditions must be optimized in order to achieve the maximum reinforcing effect of the fiber.