Orientation of Small Diameter Discontinuous Reinforcements for Structural Composites.
Abstract
The object of the program was to develop a method of orienting small diameter discontinuous fiber so a high percentage of their mechanical properties could be utilized. Electrostatic flocking of fibers followed by brushing was investigated as a method for orienting fibers using glass fibers as a model. Fibers in the range of one-sixteenth inch in length were utilized for most of the work with glass because longer fibers were not free flowing. A conductive coating was developed to make the glass fibers flockable. Graphite fibers were then flocked and made into composites. Fiber lengths from one-sixteenth to one-quarter inch were employed to determine the effect of length on strength. Fiber length in the range between one-sixteenth inch to one-eighth appeared to make the strongest graphite composites. The electrostatic flocking method consists of: (1) coating a Mylar carrier tape with a thin layer of resin, (2) flocking chopped fibers on the tape, (3) brushing the fibers over to a parallel orientation, (4) stripping the fiber-resin prepreg from the tape, (5) laying the prepreg into a mold in multiple layers and (6) compacting to produce a composite. Multiple flocking and brushing can be employed to increase the fiber loading. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0867060
Entities
People
- John L. Kane