Glass Fiber Research Articles

Thermo-mechanical analysis of 3D-printed continuous glass fiber reinforced onyx thermoplastic composites

Purpose This study aims to investigate the impact of temperature and fiber volume fraction on the mechanical properties of 3D-printed composites of continuous glass fiber reinforced onyx. Design/methodology/approach Continuous glass fiber reinforced onyx (carbon-filled nylon) 3D-Printed composites have been designed and tested at 40°C, 60°C and 80°C for fiber volume fractions ranging from 13%, 20%, 27%, 33% and 40%. Findings The results of three-point bending tests have shown that at higher temperatures, i.e. greater than the room temperature the 3D-Printed onyx loses its mechanical properties as obvious for thermoplastic composites. However, the inclusion of high temperature glass fibers has improved the mechanical properties of the onyx polymer and its resistance to deformation at higher temperatures. At all temperatures, the increase in fiber fraction increases the yield strength and decreases the elongation of the composite in the strain region below the yield point. At Vf >0.27 the elongation in samples seems less affected by the fiber content. The comparison of the specimen with different fiber volume fractions (Vf) shows that the elongation of the samples at Vf = 0.4, the samples’ response to the applied load has become independent of the temperature above 40°C. Originality/value The experimental and numerically calculated results are well matched, showing the accuracy in the methodology of designing the fiber reinforced onyx composites.

The Effect of Laser Structuring on Hot-Press Joined Metal-Polymer Cross Tension Joints

Abstract This study examines the effects of laser surface structuring on the cross-tension strength of metal-polymer hybrid joints, focusing on ASTM A1008 steel and two polymers: high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polyamide with 50% glass fiber (PAGF50%). By varying laser parameters—such as power, scan speed, repetition count, hatch distance, groove patterns, and polymer thickness—the results show that optimal joining strength for steel-HDPE cross-tension specimens is achieved when the hatch distance is smaller than the effective groove width, which includes the recast structures, with minimal influence from repetition count and pattern. Notably, thicker HDPE specimens (5 mm) exhibited up to 54% greater joining strength than thinner ones (3 mm), attributed to enhanced resistance to deformation. Maximum strength for PAGF50% was achieved with a single repetition and a transverse groove pattern, leveraging recast structures that promote chemical bonding. Analysis indicates that cross-tension specimen strength is generally lower than that of T-joints due to edge-initiated fractures, underscoring the importance of specimen dimensions. These findings provide practical guidelines for optimizing laser structuring parameters to enhance joint performance in high-strength, lightweight metal-polymer applications.

Experimental Investigation and Analysis of Hybrid Laminates

Hybrid composites have gained significant attention from researchers due to their potential as reinforcement materials for composites. This is primarily because of the numerous advantages they offer, including low density, low cost, renewability, biodegradability, and environmental safety, along with mechanical properties that are comparable to those of synthetic fiber composites. In this study, hybrid composites made from natural fibers and glass fibers were fabricated using epoxy resin and a combination of the hand lay-up method and the cold press method. Specimens were cut from the fabricated laminate according to ASTM standards for various tests, including tensile, flexural, and impact tests. The woven fiberglass hybrid composites demonstrated a notable improvement in tensile strength. Consequently, these high-performance hybrid composites display enhanced mechanical characteristics and have wide-ranging engineering applications in industries such as transportation, aeronautics, naval, and automotive.

Effect of curing condition on mode‐I and mode‐II cracking resistance of glass fiber reinforced concrete and their relations with tensile and compressive strengths

AbstractGlass fiber‐reinforced concrete is a favorable material for constructing structures, especially for those placed in watery environments. The concrete in the watery environments can be roughly placed in two conditions, above the water (dry) or under the water (submerged). On the other hand, water bodies can also be categorized as fresh or salt water. In the current study, the effect of fiber length (e.g., plain, 10, 20, and 30 mm), curing environment (e.g., dry, fresh, and saltwater), and age (28, 90, and 180 days) was studied on glass fiber reinforced concrete. The measured mechanical parameters were direct tensile (σt) and compressive (σc) strengths, along with pure mode‐I (KIc) and pure mode‐II fracture (KIIc) resistance. The results show that the tensile strength, mode‐I and mode‐II fracture toughness constantly increase with the increase of fiber length to 30 mm, while compressive strength reduces if fiber length increases by more than 15 mm. The optimum fiber length was obtained as 30 mm (based on tensile data). The trend analysis shows a meaningful relation between the tensile and compressive strength and between the mode I and mode II fracture toughness.

Anti-Self-Discharge Capability of Zn-Halogen Batteries Through an Entrapment-Adsorption-Catalysis Strategy Built Upon Separator.

Aqueous Zn-halogen batteries (Zn-I2/Br2) suffer from grievous self-discharge behavior, resulting in irreversible loss of active cathode material and severe corrosion of zinc anode, which ultimately leads to rapid battery failure. Herein, an entrapment-adsorption-catalysis strategy is reported, leveraging Zn─Mn atom pairs-modified glass fiber separator (designated as ZnMn-NC/GF), to effectively mitigate the self-discharge phenomenon. The in situ Raman and UV experiments, along with theoretical calculations, confirmed the single-atom Mn sites are responsible for polyiodides adsorption, while Zn─Mn atom pairs facilitated the conversion of reaction intermediates. As a result, the utilization rate of cathode active species is enhanced through this ZnMn-NC/GF separator. The fully charged Zn-I2 battery assembled with ZnMn-NC/GF maintained a Coulombic efficiency (CE) of 90.1% after being left for 120 h, as well as a capacity retention rate of 95.3% after 30000 cycles at a current density of 5 A g-1. Additionally, the Zn-Br2 battery designed with ZnMn-NC/GF separator can withstand more serious self-discharge problems of bromine species, with an average discharge voltage platform of 1.75 V at 0.5 A g-1. The self-discharge problem of aqueous Zn-halogen batteries is significantly suppressed by this entrapment-adsorption-catalysis strategy, which can serve as a crucial reference for the advancement of high-performance aqueous Zn-halogen batteries.

Prediction of impact behavior of notched composite pipes repaired with different composite patches by machine learning algorithms

In this study, the impact behavior of notched glass fiber reinforced composite pipes repaired by patch bonding is investigated and the impact performance is predicted by different machine learning algorithms. The effects of patch material, patch thickness, adhesive type and impact velocity on peak force (PF), absorbed energy (AE), maximum displacement (MD) and failure zones were investigated. In the finite element model, Progressive failure analysis based on the combination of Hashin failure criteria and Cohesive zone model (CZM) with Bilinear traction-separation law using MAT-54 material model with LS DYNA finite element program. In addition, Linear Regression (LR), Support Vector Machines (SVM), k-Nearest Neighbors (k-NN) and Random Forest (RF) machine learning algorithms were used to predict the maximum strength values of composite pipes under impact. The peak force value of the patched specimen increased by maximum 87.2% while the energy absorption efficiency value decreased by 78.9% compared to the unpatched specimen. It was determined that the patch reduced the impact failure zone of the specimen. KNN has the highest accuracy rate with 85% in predicting PF, while RF is more reliable than other algorithms in predicting AE and MD outputs with 97% and 87%, respectively.

In situ experimental investigation of fiber orientation kinetics and rheology of polymer composites in shear flow

In this study, we experimentally investigate the fiber orientation kinetics and rheology of fiber-filled polymer melts in shear flow. A novel setup is designed with custom-built bottom and top geometries that are mounted on a conventional rotational rheometer. Shear flow between parallel sliding plates is applied by vertical movement of the top geometry. The axial force measurement data of the rotational rheometer are used to determine the shear stress growth coefficient. The fiber orientation kinetics are measured in situ with this setup using small angle light scattering. We consider a non-Brownian experimental system with short glass fibers for the suspended phase (L/D=8–15) and different polyethylene based materials for the matrix phase. The fiber orientation kinetics are investigated as a function of fiber volume fraction (ϕ=1%, 5%, and 10%) and as a function of the shear rate (γ˙=0.03, 0.55, and 5s−1). Within the studied range, these parameters do not influence the fiber orientation kinetics, and a multiparticle model, based on Jeffery’s equation for single particles, can describe these kinetics. Our results show that, up to the concentrated regime (ϕ≈D/L), fiber-fiber interactions do not influence the fiber orientation in shear flow. Finally, we investigate the shear stress growth coefficient of these composites and demonstrate that a simple rheological model for fiber composites, which assumes a constant, isotropic orientation distribution of the fibers, is able to describe the shear stress growth coefficient of the short fiber composite samples.

IMPROVEMENT OF EXPANSIVE SOIL BY USING FIBER GLASS _SILICA FUME MIXTURE

A fiber glass -silica fume and silica fume (SF) mix (F-SF) have been employed in this study in order to enhance and relate their effects on the expansive soil. Bentonite (B) was added with natural soil in a lab at a ratio of 50% by soil dry weight to create the soil used in this study. The (SF) was added alone at (8,9,10,11,12, and 13) % and 1 % of Fiber glass (F) was added to the (clay soil - SF) mixture. For both treated and untreated soil, odometer, shear box, and swelling tests were used to examine the behavior of the soil after the addition of (SF) and (F-SF) mixture. From the outcome of the experimental tests, we noticed that (SF) reducing both comparison index (Cc), reloading index (Cr), and swelling percentage (SW)%. Also, it is influenced on shear strength parameters by decreasing cohesion (c) and increasing internal angle friction (φ). As well as adding 1 % (F) to the (clay soil - SF) mixture modify the prepared soil by reducing (Cc), (Cr), (SW) % and increasing (c, φ). Based on all of the above results, we concluded that adding (SF) and (F-SF) mix. can enhance the engineering characteristics of swelling soil.

Investigation of Free Vibration Behavior for Composite Sandwich Beams with a Composite Honeycomb Core

The purpose of the current research is to determine the effect of fiber type, volume ratio, and matrix type on the vibration properties of sandwich beams made of composite face sheet and core. The typical sandwich structure consists of three layers: face sheets, core, and adhesive bonding, and in this research, the adhesive layer between the face sheets and core was abolished by preparing the overall mold with fibers inside and casting the resin to fill the face sheet and core parts. The face sheets of the composite beams are made from a polyester or epoxy matrix reinforced with glass fiber, carbon fiber, and hybrid fiber, and the core is a honeycomb consisting of random glass fibers immersed in a resin matrix (polyester or epoxy). 22 composite sandwich beams were constructed to conduct vibration testing. The vibration results obtained experimentally were compared to the ANSYS R1 2022 software, and the results were in very good agreement. Hybrid fibers and polyester matrix achieved the highest values of natural frequency for (clamped-clamped) boundary conditions, where the natural frequency value of the hybrid fiber and polyester matrix reached (2037 Hz) at a volume fraction of (23.14%) experimentally and the natural frequency reached (1804.5 Hz) at a volume fraction of (21.95%) experimentally for the simply supported boundary condition.

A Numerical Study of the Behavior of Concrete Columns constructed with Recycled Aggregate reinforced with GFRP Rebars

This research presents the findings of a numerical simulation conducted using the ABAQUS/CAE Finite Element (FE) software, with the purpose of investigating the behavior of short concrete columns constructed using recycled aggregate reinforced by Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) bars. The numerical validation technique included an analysis of the experimental data of twenty columns constructed utilizing recycled aggregate reinforced by steel or GFRP rebars. Additional aspects, such as the column length, acting as an indicator of column slenderness, and the configuration of the column section, were also investigated. The results revealed a significant correlation between the failure loads and axial displacement of the computational models and those derived from the experimental methods. It was found that the increase in the column length was inversely proportional to its load carrying capacity. The drop percentage in the load carrying capacity was 6% and 11% for columns with length of 1100 mm and 1500 mm, respectively, compared to the reference square column with 700 mm length. The drop percentage in the load carrying capacity was 6.9% and 12.7% for columns with lengths of 1100 mm and 1500 mm, respectively, compared to the reference circle column with 700 mm length.

Properties of GFRP Bars Subjected to High Temperature

This study evaluates the properties of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) bars exposed to high temperatures. An experimental program was carried out, which investigated 30 samples burned at different temperatures, 300 °C, 500 °C, and 700 °C, and compared them with additional unburned samples. The chosen parameters in this study consist of the concrete cover thickness and the burning temperature. The experimental results demonstrated that at a temperature of 300 °C, burning did not significantly affect the tensile strength of the covered samples, as it exhibited a decrease between 0% and 7%. In contrast, at a temperature of 500 °C, burning significantly influenced the specific samples’ tensile strength, as its decrease ranged between 0 and 30%. At 700 °C, burning substantially impacted the covered samples’ tensile strength, causing a reduction ranging from 2% to 58%, contingent on the concrete cover thickness. It was generally observed that the samples’ tensile strength decreased as the burning temperature increased, and that although significant alterations in the tensile characteristics of the uncoated GFRP bars were noted at 300 °C, the critical threshold for the coated GFRP bars was identified around 500 °C.

Sandwich‐structured light‐transmitting composites based on waste textiles: Fabrication, optical properties, and bending failure behavior

AbstractCurrently, glass fiber‐reinforced resin composites, as an advanced optically transparent material, have garnered widespread attention and research. In the context of new‐era developments, there is a growing demand and expectation for the visual artistic expression of light‐transmitting composites. In this study, glass fiber fabric, silk fabric, and recycled polyester jacquard fabric were used as reinforcement materials, while epoxy resin was selected as the matrix material. A green decorative light‐transmitting composite with uniform light diffusion and soft light effects was prepared using the vacuum bag molding process. By altering the woven structure (plain weave, twill weave, satin weave), yarn density, and yarn twist of the silk fabric, the optical properties of the composites can be regulated. The unique triangular cross‐section, woven structure, and large folds of the plain‐woven silk fabric were particularly conducive to the reflection and refraction of light within the composite, thereby significantly enhancing the uniform light diffusion and soft light properties of the material. Furthermore, the bending failure behavior of the composites was investigated through three‐point bending tests, acoustic emission (AE) test, and micro‐computed tomography (Micro‐CT) scanning. The laminate specimens reinforced with plain‐woven silk fabric exhibited the best bending performance, with bending strength and modulus reaching 434.4 MPa and 19.0 GPa, respectively. The combination of AE and micro‐CT scanning techniques successfully established the correlation between AE signals and damage modes. This study identified the main failure modes for plain woven, twill woven, and satin woven silk reinforced composites as fiber breakage, interlayer delamination, and fiber/resin debonding, respectively.Highlights Waste textiles were recycled for use in transparent composites. Silk fabric's weave structure affected composites' optical properties. Fiber breakage was the main failure in bending of plain woven composites. Plain woven composites exhibited optimal diffuse light, superior flexural performance.

A Parametric Study of GFRP Composite Beams with Encased I-Section using 3D Finite Element Modeling

Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) materials play a crucial role in the construction industry due to their lightweight properties, corrosion resistance, and high strength. Furthermore, the GFRP reinforcement ratio is a significant factor in the strength design philosophy that governs the design of flexible members. This study presents a parametric investigation of the performance of concrete composite beams reinforced and encased with pultruded GFRP. This study investigates the effect of concrete compressive strength and GFRP reinforcement ratio on the structural behavior of composite beams with encased GFRP sections under static loads. To achieve this objective, five simply supported models were numerically simulated using the Abaqus software. The reference model comprised normal concrete with a 30 MPa compressive strength, 0.42% GFRP longitudinal reinforcing ratio, and transverse steel rebars, with the GFRP I-section encased in the center of the cross-section. The other models maintained similar properties and geometries but varied in reinforcement ratio (0.85% and 1.2%) and compressive strength (25 MPa and 20 MPa). The results showed that increasing the reinforcement ratio in composite beams with encased GFRP sections improved the ultimate capacity by approximately 29% and 41% for 0.85% and 1.2% ratios, respectively, compared to the reference beam. Conversely, reducing compressive strength below 30 MPa decreased maximum load by about 16% and 23% for 25 MPa and 20 MPa values, respectively, in relation to the reference beam.

Constructing powerful interface between glass fiber and silica aerogel via an interfacial molecular bridge allows for excellent acoustic-thermal insulation composites

Constructing powerful interface between glass fiber and silica aerogel via an interfacial molecular bridge allows for excellent acoustic-thermal insulation composites

Silica-Nanocoated Membranes with Enhanced Stability and Antifouling Performance for Oil-Water Emulsion Separation

Despite the potential of glass fiber (GF) membranes for oil-water emulsion separations, efficient surface modification methods to enhance fouling resistance while preserving membrane performance and stability remain lacking. We report a silica nanocoating method to modify GF membranes through a vapor deposition method. The high smoothness (<1 nm r.m.s.) and high conformality of the vapor-deposited silica nanocoatings enabled the preservation of membrane microstructure and permeability, which, combined with the enhanced surface hydrophilicity, led to an oil rejection rate exceeding 99% and more than a 40% improvement in permeate flux in oil-water emulsion separations. Furthermore, the silica nanocoatings provided the membranes with excellent wet strength and stability against organic solvents, strong acids, oxidants, boiling, and sonication. The silica-nanocoated membrane demonstrated enhanced fouling resistance, achieving flux recovery higher than 75% during repeated oil-water emulsion separations and bovine serum albumin and humic acid fouling tests.

Pultruded Glass Fiber–Reinforced Polymer Composites under Eccentric Compression Loading

Pultruded Glass Fiber–Reinforced Polymer Composites under Eccentric Compression Loading

High-strength polyurethane-reinforced glass fiber spacer fabric for cost-effective, lightweight, and high-temperature insulation applications

High-strength polyurethane-reinforced glass fiber spacer fabric for cost-effective, lightweight, and high-temperature insulation applications

Optimization of 3D Printing Parameters for Enhanced Mechanical Strength: Effects of Glass Fiber Reinforcement and Fill Ratio Using RSM and ANOVA

This research aimed to provide valuable insights for future studies and enhance manufacturing processes by investigating the effect of incorporating fibers into 3D printing to improve the mechanical properties of fabricated components. The experimental design was carried out using Design-Expert software, employing the Central Composite Design (CCD) methodology. Seventeen experiments were conducted, with predefined input parameters, layer height, filler ratio, and printing speed, analyzed through the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) using Design-Expert version 12. An Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed that the filler ratio had the most significant effect on fracture strength. The influence of different printing parameters printing speed, layer height, and filler ratio on the mechanical properties and print quality was systematically investigated. The results indicated that the filler ratio was the most critical factor, with a 100% fill ratio yielding the highest tensile strength. Conversely, a 50% fill ratio significantly reduced production costs, but at the expense of mechanical performance. Thus, if strength is the primary requirement, a higher fill ratio is recommended. The effect of printing speed was found to be less significant compared to layer height and filler ratio. The maximum recorded tensile strength was 540.65 N, achieved with a layer height of 0.5 mm, a 100% fill ratio, and a printing speed of 8 mm/s. In contrast, the lowest recorded tensile strength was 389.93 N, observed with a layer height of 0.4 mm, a 50% fill ratio, and a printing speed of 4 mm/s. After applying a transformation function, the data showed good alignment with the normal distribution on the probability plot, indicating that the assumption of normality was satisfied. Additionally, the incorporation of glass fibers significantly enhanced the mechanical strength of the printed samples.

Tension–Tension Fatigue Behavior of Ribbed Glass Fiber–Reinforced Polymer Bars in Air

Tension–Tension Fatigue Behavior of Ribbed Glass Fiber–Reinforced Polymer Bars in Air

Dual functional roles of lithium oxide in mixed alkaline earth aluminosilicate fiber glasses

Dual functional roles of lithium oxide in mixed alkaline earth aluminosilicate fiber glasses