Study on fibre orientation and fibre content of glass fibre reinforced polymer

Abstract

Fibre reinforced polymer is consisted of matrix and reinforcement, which are the deciding factors of mechanical properties. The fibre orientation is dependent on the parameters of material, such as fibre diameter, length, and interaction between fibres (which is interpreted as fibre content), and moulding factors like moulding closure speed, moulding pressure, moulding temperature, etc. Owing to fibre orientation, compression moulded product becomes inhomogeneous and anisotropic, which influences mechanical properties significantly. Therefore, optimal quantitative value of fibre content and orientation is derived to improve tensile strength and shock absorption. Tensile strength of fibre reinforced polymer at 0° orientation is constantly increased along with fibre content and orientation. When fibre orientation is isotropic, tensile strength at 0° direction and the one at 90° direction are same. However, the tensile strength ratio at 90° direction decreases when composite becomes anisotropic (J is increased). This can be elucidated as the result of the glass fibre filament separation when load is applied perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of filament. Therefore, tensile strength ratio at 90° orientation decreases with fibre content. In conclusion, higher strength can be achieved when fibre used in fibre reinforced polymer is less than the large number of fibres in yarn.