Dimunition and Longitudinal Splitting of Carbon Fibers Due to Grinding.
Abstract
Lightweight composite materials composed of a carbon fiber/epoxy resin matrix are being used in increasing quantities in the aircraft production and the aerospace industry. The use of these composites is also expanding to the non-aerospace industries. Carbon fibers may become a potential airborne hazard during drilling and machining of composite materials. Air sampling by some investigators have indicated that all airborne fibers are of their original diameter (6-8 um), and are non-respirable, while others have noted longitudinal fracturing of fibers into smaller diameter respirable fibers. This research was performed to determine the degree of fracturing during grinding, and to compare this fracturing to that of glass fibers. Carbon and glass fibers without epoxy resin or sizing material were ground in a ball mill. The resulting particles were very similar for carbon and glass. (jes)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA196697
Entities
People
- John F. Seibert
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology