HIGH STRENGTH, HIGH MODULUS, WHISKER REINFORCED PLASTIC COMPOSITES.
Abstract
The objective of this program is to investigate experimental methods of preparing oriented whisker-resin composites and to study analytically the fundamental micromechanics of such composites. Strands of alumina whiskers totaling about 600 inches, in 18-inch lengths, have been formed by an air elutriation technique. This technique has been the most successful of the numerous methods evaluated for preparing uniaxially oriented whiskers. Incorporation of whisker strands into conventional epoxy resins have resulted in composite tensile strengths as high as 72,000 psi and moduli as high as 24.3 x 10 to the 6th power psi for a whisker loading of 44 v/o. Use of a high modulus epoxy resin, and a whisker loading of 59 v/o, has yielded a composite modulus of 31.3 x 10 to the 6th power psi. These composites have been as large as 1/8 inch x 1/8 inch in cross-section and hence larger than previously studied whisker-resin composites. Whisker compaction, resin cure cycle, tensile specimen preparation, and conditions of tensile loading are all critical factors in achieving high tensile properties. An analytical tensile failure model for discontinuous, uniaxially oriented fiber composites has been developed based on the use of statistical distribution functions characterizing fiber strength and geometry.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0817953
Entities
People
- Donald G. Flom
- Edward Friedman
- J. V. Mullin
- Vito F. Mazzio
Organizations
- General Electric