In composites, verious kinds of orientations and shapes are used as reinforcement phase. You know that the reinforcement phase is very important to obtain desired strength and other mechanical properties for composite materials. Fiber structures are very important reinforcement phase structures in composite materials. In here, we will explain the general properties of fiber reinforcing agents in composites.
Fibers in composite materials are generally produced in very thin filament form. In general applications of composite materials, fibers are produced in diameters ranging from 0.0025mm to 0.13mm. The mechanical strength enhancement of composite materials is very straightforward. Especially in tensile reinforcement in composite materials, fibers are very vital.
In general mechanics of materials, filament form of a material is much more stronger than their bulk form. And also with the reducing daimeter of filaments, tensile strength of material increases. Because of this fact, filament shapes of materials which are called ‘fibers’ are used in reinforcement of composite materials.
Continuous and discontinuous fibers are also avaliable in composite applications. In theory, continuous fibers are possible, but production of them is very hard. So, discontinous fibers are also an application of fibers in composites. For discontinuous fibers, L/D ratio can be around 100. ‘Whiskers’ is an example for discontinuous fibers which has hari-like structure and very low diameter which is around 0.001 mm. This means that, they are superior in applications that tensile stress is prominent.
In general applications, the diameter of used fibers start from 0.0025mm to 0.13mm.
Three types of reinforcement applications for fiber reinforcements in composites. The first one is ‘one dimensional reinforcement’ that fibers are oriented in tensile stress application direction. So reinforcement for this condition is provided by fiber reinforcement. Matrix of composite material transmits the stress on fiber reinforcement to overcome this tensile stress.
The second type of reinforcement is ‘planar reinforcement’ in which reinforcement with fibers is accomplished in two dimensional plane. Conside about the two dimensional tensile stress application on these composites. Planar fiber reinforcement probably overcome this stresses.
The third one is ‘three dimensional reinforcement’ that fiber design in these kinds of composites is accomplished to overcoma three dimensional tensile stress applications.
Wide variety of materials are used as fiber reinforcements in composite materials. But material type also can change according to the matrix material that is used in composite material. These materials are generally used in fiber reinforcements;
Fiber reinforcement is vert important are in composite design. It has very specific technique and you can develope yourself in this area.
This can be the general explanation of fiber reinforcement in composite materials. Do not forget to leave your comments and questions about fiber-reinforced composite materials and their features below. Your precious feedbacks are very important for us.
