Non-Metallic Antenna-Support Materials Pultruded Rods for Antenna Guys, Catenaries and Communications Structures.
Abstract
Both E-glass and Kevlar 49 (aramid) fibers were used to reinforce an isophthalic polyester resin. These materials were used, in turn, to form pultruded antenna rod hardware for structural tests. The aramid material exhibited substantially improved strength-retention properties over the glass-reinforced material under prolonged exposure to heat and humidity. The aramid material offers the promise of superior weatherability in antenna-support applications although further testing is warranted. The stress-rupture properties of pultruded rod, under high humidity, possess unusual temperature and time dependencies. These are explained in terms of the mechanisms whereby moisture is transported from the environment to the fiber/matrix interface. The stress-rupture properties, as well as the tensile properties, may be improved by appropriately modifying the pultrusion process. Two new end fittings, generally capable of attaining the full tensile strength of glass fiber-reinforced pultruded rod, were developed. Several new test methods were developed, including and environmental stress-rupture test, two methods for investigating the quality of the fiber/matrix interface, and a method for examining the rate sensitivity of the tensile strength. A significant rate sensitivity was observed for glass fiber-reinforced rod but not for aramid fiber-reinforced rod. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA031775
Entities
People
- D. E. Marlowe
- L. Mordfin
- N. Halsey
- R. A. Mitchell
Organizations
- National Institute of Standards and Technology