Why do fibres sometimes reduce strength but enhance modulus in polymers?4 answersFibers can reduce strength but enhance modulus in polymers due to various factors. The increase in modulus is attributed to improved stress transfer between load-bearing elements in the fibers after polymer infiltration, leading to up to a 50% increase in specific modulus. On the other hand, the reduction in strength can be linked to defects at the ends of microfibrils, which act as mechanically weak areas in the fibrous material, drastically depressing the strength as they fail when strain concentration reaches their limit, leading to microcrack growth and bulk fracture. Additionally, the presence of short fibers in polymer composites can increase tensile strain and strength due to increased microcracking, fiber debonding, and energy absorption mechanisms, ultimately enhancing fracture strain in the composite material.
What factors can effect losses in mechanical strength of fibre reinforced polymers?4 answersLosses in mechanical strength of fiber reinforced polymers (FRPs) can be influenced by various factors. Thermal aging at temperatures above the glass transition temperature (Tg) can lead to significant strength reduction due to epoxy matrix degradation and fiber/interface deterioration. Additionally, the fiber length distribution (FLD) efficiency factor, fiber volume fraction, and fiber/interface properties play a crucial role in determining the mechanical strength of short fiber reinforced plastics (SFRPs). Natural fibers like jute used as reinforcement in FRPs can experience modulus losses due to factors such as fiber orientation, interfacial debonding, and poor adhesion. Moreover, improper layer deposition, poor bonding, and low infill density in fused filament fabrication (FFF) processes can create voids leading to reduced mechanical properties in composite products. Understanding these factors is essential for optimizing the mechanical performance of FRPs in various applications.
What is the optimal ratio of resin to fiber in a composite material?3 answersThe optimal ratio of resin to fiber in a composite material varies depending on the specific application and desired properties. In one study, a resin composite containing 0.5-40 mass% of chemically modified cellulose fine fiber and a resin was found to have high mechanical properties and durability for molding and use in vehicle-mounted members and electrical materials. Another study focused on a fiber-reinforced composite material and found that the resin composition should contain reinforcing fibers and a resin component, with specific weight ratios of allyl compound, maleimide compound, and thiol compound. Additionally, a resin composition suitable as a matrix resin for a fiber-reinforced composite material was found to have a specific mass ratio of a main agent containing epoxy resin and acrylate compound to a curing agent containing an amine compound. The volume ratio between organic fiber and inorganic fiber in a fiber-reinforced resin composite material was found to range from (10:90) to (50:50), with specific arrangements of fiber structures in the external layer part.
How does vartm affect the strength of composite matrix?5 answersVacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process has been shown to have an impact on the strength of composite matrix. Incorporating nanofillers such as zinc oxide (ZnO) and TiO2 nanoparticles into the resin matrix through VARTM has been found to enhance the mechanical properties of the composite matrix. The addition of 1 wt% ZnO nanoparticles in epoxy resin resulted in a 20% increase in tensile strength compared to neat epoxy composite. Similarly, the inclusion of 5 wt% TiO2 nanopowders in a polyester composite reinforced by glass fibers led to a significant increase in microhardness, tensile modulus, ultimate tensile strength, and strain to break. Furthermore, the orientation of the fibers in the VARTM process has been found to influence the tensile and flexural strength of the composite matrix, with laminates having more aligned fibers exhibiting superior mechanical properties.
What is strength of material?5 answersThe strength of a material refers to its ability to withstand a load without breaking. It is a complex concept that includes resistance to various types of loading. Different materials have different strengths and weaknesses. For example, window glass is durable under slow loading but easily breaks upon impact. Scientists have recently focused on nanomaterials, which have few defects and therefore higher strength potential. The strength of building materials is crucial for the load-bearing capacity of structures, and statistical studies are important for assessing and calculating reliability. The response of materials to applied forces has been of interest to humans since ancient times. The concept of strength of materials applies to both natural and man-made structures, and it is related to the rupture of materials under stress.
Where the high strength of composite laminate contributed?3 answersThe high strength of composite laminate is contributed in various ways. One study focused on the static strength enhancement of composite laminate single lap bonded joints (SLJ) by reinforcing them with pins made of uni-directional (UD) fiber reinforced plastic composite materials. The introduction of composite pins resulted in an average increase of 19.1% in the strength of the hybrid joint. Another investigation aimed to develop fundamental failure prediction methods for high strain composites (HSCs). These composites are designed to operate at significantly larger strains than traditional composites, particularly under bending. The study conducted large curvature bending tests on HSC laminates and explored the effect of thickness on their failure mode. The results will contribute to the development of new standard tests and failure criteria for HSCs.