References:

1. R.M.Jones ,”Mechanics of Composite Materials “,(1975)

2. Donald ,R.Askeland and P.P.Phule ,”The Science and Engineering of Materials
“, fourth edition .
3. Batter Worth ,” Engineering Materials Technology “, 3rd edition .

4. H.F.Mark ,” Science and Engineering “, encyclopedia of polymer ,vol.(6)

5. T.J.Reinhard ,” Engineering Materials Handbook”, vol.(1),composite ASM

international
6. Stephen W.Tsai and H.Thamas ,” Introduction to composite materials “

7. Leer Calcote ,” The Analysis of Laminated composite structures”

8. Intenet :

Keyword : composite materials + polymers +laminate + matrix+ fiber +…etc

9. William ,D. Callister ,”Materials Science and Engineering : An Introduction “

10.W.Bolton ,” Engineering Materials Technology “

0
Composite Materials
Introduction: - A Composite material is formed when two or more materials are
combined on a macroscopic scale, So that the properties of composite are different
(usually better) from those of the individual constituents.

Properties that can be improved by composite materials

- Strength - thermal insulation
- stiffness - thermal conductivity
- fatigue life - a acoustical insulation
- corrosion resistance - weight
- high temperature performance - hardness
- wear resistance - etc…………..

Composite materials have a wide range of practical application in the industry

like:

- Car body manufacturing

- Air plane structure
- Space land and space satellite
- Boats manufacturing
- Storage containers
- House appliances

The important property that recognizes the composite material on metal is the
strength to the density ratio or strength to weight ratio.

Continuous medium “matrix”

Composite are made of

Discontinuous medium “Reinforcement “

(which is usually harder and stronger one )

Therefore the properties of composite are depend on the properties of the matrix and
reinforcement materials, their distribution and interaction.

1
Matrix :- It is the material that work to bind the reinforcing material together in
order to make a composite material that can carry loads or stresses .

It is also called “medium “, it is may be metal , polymer or ceramic.

The polymers are most widely used as a “matrix”. And are also called resins .

Polymers are very complex organic compounds whose molecular weight exceed
5000

Polymers have low electrical and thermal conductivity ,therefore use for electrical and
thermal insulation .

The molecules of polymers may have the linear ,branch ( fig 1) or three
dimensional ( spatial) structure repeated many times .

Polymers may be classified as :-

1- Thermoplastic resins: - for examples “nylon “, “polyethylene “.

Soften when heated and become hard again when the heat is removed. And
have linear chains or branch chains for their structure.

2- Thermosetting resins :- for example “ epoxy” , “ polyester”.

Do not soften when heated, but char and decompose and have cross linked
structure.
3- Elastomers resin :- for example “ rubber”.
Is a polymer having considerable extensions and reversible. It is chains have
some degree of cross- linking.

Reinforcing materials:- It is the materials that make the reinforcing to the

matrix. It is have different form may be fibers, particles, flakes, fillers and woven
made from glass, carbon , Kevlar or steel…….etc.

2
 The diagram of the composite materials illustrated as following:-

Metal matrix+ metal

- Have high density.

- Thermal and electrical conductivity.
- Good strength, ductility and toughness.
- Working at medium and high temperature.
- Low corrosive resistance.

Metal

Metal matrix + ceramic Metal matrix + polymer

Ceramic matrix + metal Polymer matrix+ metal

Ceramic matrix + Polymer matrix+

Ceramic Polymer
polymer ceramic

- Medium density. - Low density.

- Electrical and thermal insulating. - High strength to weight ratio.
-wear and corrosive resistance. -have high corrosion resistance.
-difficult to form/machine. -easy to form.
-working at high temperature. -working at low temperature.

Ceramic matrix + ceramic Polymer matrix + polymer

3
 classification of composites according to
reinforcement

particale - rienforced fiber -rienforced structural

(particle or powder in ( fiber or whisker in (layer of various
a matrix) a matrix ) material bonded
together )

dispersion continuous discontinuous

large particle
strength (aligned) (short )
laminates sandwich
panels

randomly
aligned
oriented

classification of composites according to matrix

polymer matrix metallic matrix ceramic matrix

composites composites composites
(PMCS) (MMCS) (CMCS)

Particulate composite:- Consist of one or more materials suspended in a matrix of

another material .The particles can be either metallic or non-metallic .

Large particles reinforced composite

Particulate composite classified as

Dispersion strength composite

A classic example of polymers as a particulate composite material is carbon black

in rubber (in manufacturing of tires).A carbon black improves strength, stiffness, wears
resistance.

4
Large particle reinforced composite :- Have particles with diameter of (1µm)or more
and volume concentration (25-50) % or more of the composite .

One of their applications cermet or (cemented carbides), composite involving ceramic

particles in a metal matrix which are widely used for the tips of cutting tools.

(e.g.)

Ceramic (Tungsten carbides)

[hard, brittle]
Composite

Metal [strong, hard, tough]

[soft, ductile]

Dispersion strengthened composite :- The strength of a metal can be increased by

small particles dispersed throughout the matrix .The diameter of particle (0.1µm)and
volume concentration (1-15)% of the composite . For example the dispersion of
aluminum – copper compound throughout of alloy. To product composite for general
application, like piston, connecting rod for automotive application.

Also one way of introducing a dispersion of small particles throughout a metal

uses sintering .Like dispersion of aluminum oxide (AL2O3) about (14%) throughout an
aluminum matrix .

400 MPa for sintered aluminum powder

Where the tensile strength is

90 MPa for aluminum

The following table give an example and applications of selected dispersion

strengthened composites:

Composite Applications
Ag-CdO electrical contact material
Al-Al2O3 nuclear reaction
Pb- PbS battery grids

5
The General Applications of Particulate Composite Materials

1- Non-metallic in non-metallic
 Concrete
 Flakes glass in plastic matrix – for electrical insulating
2- Metallic in non-metallic
 Silver flakes in paint – for good conductivity
 Aluminum flakes in paint – aluminum paint for surface protection
3- Non-metallic in metallic composites
 Cermets are examples of ceramic and metallic
4- Metallic in metallic composites
 Lead particles in copper alloys to improve machineability

Rule of mixture
The rule of mixtures can predict the properties of the particulate composite
material because the particulate composite materials depend only on relative amount
and properties of the individual constituents . e.g.

Where :

= density of the composite

, …. , = are the density of each constituent

= are the volume of fractions of each constituent

where volume of the item ( matrix or reinforcement )

total volume of the composite

where mass

density

6
Or

Example :-

A cemented carbide cutting tool used for machining contains (54.7 vol.%) of
WC (Tungsten carbide) , (34.9 vol.%) of TiC ( Titanium carbide ), (4 vol.%) TaC
(Tantalum carbide ), and (6.4 vol.%) Co (Cobalt ) . Estimate the desity of the composite
. where the densities are ( , ,
, )

Solution :-

∑ .547*15.77+0.349*4.94+0.04*14.5+0.064*8.9 =

Lower bound on apparent Young,s modulus

The basic for the determination of a lower bound on the apparent Young , s modulus is
application of the principle of minimum complementary energy.

Where, E= modulus of composite material

= modulus of basic matrix

= modulus of dispersed material (particles)

= volume fraction of matrix

= volume fraction of dispersed material

Upper bound on apparent Young, s modulus :-

The basic of determination of an upper bound on the apparent Young’s modulus is
application of the principle of minimum potential energy.

There are many considerations must be taken in the account of choosing of

dispersed material (particles) which are :-

7
 1- No chemical reaction with the matrix.
2- Hard and solid to obstacle the slip (dislocation movement).
3- Stable at high temperature and insoluble in matrix.

The following formula is used to determine the activity of dispersed particles as

obstacle to dislocation movement as following:

Where - = volume fraction of particles

= particle diameter
= the distance between particles

there are two types of hardening

dispersion hardening precipitation hardening

(age hardening )

insoluble second phase it is most widly used method of strenthening

in a soft metalic matrix alloys.(i.e. heat treatment followed by rapid cooling )
that coused precipitation

8
The (dispersion) sintered aluminum has advantage over precipitation hardened
aluminum alloys in that it retains it strength better at high temperature as showing:-

This is because at the higher temperatures, the precipitate particles in precipitation

hardened alloys tend to coalesce or go into solution in the metal. While in dispersion
composite material the particle remain (insoluble) to obstacle the dislocation
movement.

There are some examples of naturally composite

Matrix (lignin)

Wood -

Reinforcement (cellulose fiber)

Matrix (collagen)

Bone and teeth -

Reinforcement

(Calcium and phosphate ions and hydroxyapatite)

Nano composite :-
Is a multiphase material in which at least one of the phases has at least one
dimension in order of nanometers (less than 100nm, i.e. 0.1 µm)

Bone – natural nano composite.

9
Fibrous Composite
The fibers may be continuous throughout the matrix or short fibers, and aligned
in all the same direction or randomly arranged as shown in figure (1).Like glass or
carbon fibers in polymers and ceramic fiber in metal.

Fibrous form give the rigidity and strength of the composite

Continuous fiber composite: - A composite whose reinforcement is made by fibers of

indefinite length .

Discontinuous fiber composite:- A composite whose fibers have a limited length,

typically (3-50) mm.

Unidirectional composite:- A composite in which the fibers are aligned according to

the principal orientation .

10
 Fibers may be classified according to its nature as following:-

Fibers

Natural Synathetic

Animal Mineral Lignocellulose Inorganic

Organic fiber
fiber
silk wool hair (Glass
bast seed
leaf wood grass Kevlar
stem polyethelene
Carbon
asbestas polypropylene Alumina
jute cotton
sisal bamboo polyesternene
Boron)

The most common fibers used for engineering applications one :-

- Glass
- Carbon (graphite )
- Kevlar (aramid)
- Boron

While the most widely used as a matrix for fibrous composites are epoxy ,polyester
and organic “ supper polymer “ material commonly called plastics.

Properties of fiber
1- High modulus of elasticity.
2- High ultimate strength.
3- Low variation of strength between individual fibers.
4- Uniform fiber cross- section.
5- Stability and retention of strength during fabrication.

Properties of matrix
1- Low density.
2- Low strength.
3- Bind the fibers together.
4- Transfer the load to the fiber.
5- Stop, to some extent, a crack from propagation.
11
 6- Protect the fibers surfaces from damage in service.
7- Be chemically and thermally compatible with fiber.

Fibers may be wires or wisker (wiskers are very fine fibers have short length to
diameter ratio).

The following figure shows the increase modulus with increase the volume
fraction for the same reinforcement but different shape (continuous fiber, wisker or
particle). This schematic shows the loss of reinforcement efficiency as one goes from
continuous fiber to particle.

12
Rule of mixture in fiber – reinforced composite
As for particulate composites, the rule of mixtures always predicts the density of
fiber – reinforced composites.

The mass (mc ) of a composite is made up of masses of the matrix ( mm) and the fiber
(mf ) i.e.

mc=mm+mf …………………….(1)

since mass is volume ( ) time density (ρ) then equation (1) can be written as :-

And so :-

is the matrix volume fraction (Vm)

is the fiber volume fraction (Vf)

Thus ,

And Vm=1-Vf

Therefore equation (2) can be termed a law of mixtures.

In addition, the rule of mixtures accurately predicts the electrical and thermal
conductivity of fiber –reinforced composites along the fiber direction

Kc=Vm*Km+Vf*Kf
σc=Vm*σm+Vf*σf
where :- K- is the thermal conductivity
σ - is the electrical conductivity
Modulus of elasticity
The rule of mixtures is used to predict the modulus of elasticity

13
 Parallel to the fiber (along the axis of fibers)

The total force acting on the composite is the sum of the forces carried by each
constituent

Fc=Fm+Ff
Scine, F= σ *A

σc*Ac=σm*Am+σf*Af

The area fraction (A) equal to the volume fraction (V)

σc=σm*Vm+σf*Vf

from Hooke’s law , σ =E*ε , therefore

Ec*εc=Em*εm*Vm+Ef*εf*Vf
If the fibers are rigidly bonded to the matrix, both the fibers and matrix must stretch
equal a mounts (iso-strain conditions)

εc=εm=εf
so,
Ec,II=Em*Vm+Ef*Vf (upper bound )

The modulus of elasticity may be high .

while in perpendicular direction (at right angle to fiber)

The sum of strains in each component equals to the total strain in the composite,
where as the stresses in each component are equal ( iso- stress condition).

εc=εm*Vm+εf*Vf

Science σc=σm=σf
14
 It can also be shown, for longitudinal loading that the ratio of load carried by the
fibers to that carried by the matrix is:

This can be proved as following :-

In the longitudinal direction both matrix and fiber have equal strain if bonding is good,
so :

Dividing the right side by Ac

15
 It is represent the ratio of the load carried by the fibers to that carried by the matrix.
According to the formula, the volume fraction has effect on the modulus of
elasticity in both directions .For example Rule- of –mixtures Prediction for longitudinal
(E1) and transverse (E2) modulus for glass- polyester composite (Ef = 73.7 G pa ),(Em
= 4 G pa ) as shown in the following figures .

Note: To calculate the volume fraction of fiber and matrix

1. In term of weight fraction

(w ) is the weight fraction of fiber = -

means fiber weight , means composite weight

(w is the weight fraction of matrix =

means matrix weight

16
2. In term of volume

V f +vm = 1 vf =

vm =
Example :- borsic ( boron coated with Sic ) reinforced aluminum 40 % volume
fibers is an important high - temperature .Estimate the density, modulus of
elasticity ,and tensile strength parallel to the fiber axis. Also estimate the modulus
of elasticity perpendicular to the fibers.

Material Density Modulus of Tensile strength

g/cm2 elasticity (Gpa.) Mpa.
Fibers (Borosic) 2.36 380 2760
Matrix(aluminum) 2.7 69 34.5

Solution : vf =0.4 vm = 0.6

From the rule of mixtures

=2.7*0.6+2.36*0.4=2.56 g/cm3

Ec,11=Em*Vm+Ef*Vf = 69*0.6+380*0.4=193.4 GPa

TSc =TSm*Vm+TSf*Vf
=34.5*0.6+2760*0.4=1124.7 MPa
Perpendicular to the fibers

17
Example: - A continuous and aligned glass fiber – reinforced composite consist of
(40%) volume fraction of glass fibers having a modulus of elasticity of (69Gpa).
,and (60%) volume fraction of polyester resin , when hardened , displays a modulus
of (3.4 GPa).

a) Compute the modulus of elasticity of this composite in the longitudinal

direction.
b) If the cross- sectional area is (250 mm2) and a stress of (50 MPa). Is applied in
this longitudinal direction, compute the magnitude of the load carried by each
of the fiber and matrix phases.
c) Determine the strain that is sustained by each phase when the stress in part (b)
is applied.
d) Compute the modulus of elasticity of this composite in the perpendicular
direction.

Solution:-

a) Ec,11=Em*Vm+Ef*Vf = 3.4*0.6+69*0.4 = 30 GPa

b) 13.5

or Ff =13.5 Fm

Fc=Ac*σ =250*50=12500 N
This total load is just the sum of load carried by fiber and matrix

Fc=Ff+Fm
13.5 Fm+ Fm=12500

Fm=860 N

Where , Ff = Fc -Fm= 12500-860=11640 N

The fibers support the majority of the load.

c) Am=Vm*Ac=0.6*250 =150 mm2

Af=Vf*Ac = 0.4*250 = 100 mm2

18
 Finally the strain are computed as :

And ,

d)

= 5.5 GPa

Ex :- For an glass fiber- epoxy matrix composite with the volume fraction of fiber as
(65% ).Estimate the modulus of elasticity when the load is at (0o) with the fibers
and the modulus of elasticity when the load is at (90o ) with the fiber.

Note:- modulus of elasticity for epoxy = 3.5 GPa.

modulus of elasticity for glass fiber = 70 GPa.

Solution:-

Ec,II=Em*Vm+Ef*Vf =3.5*0.35+70*0.65= 47 GPa

19
EX:- Consider a uniaxial fiber reinforced composite of aramid fibers in an epoxy
matrix. The volume fraction of fibers is (60 %) .The composite is subjected to an
axial strain of (0.1 %) .Compute the modulus and strength along the axial direction
of the composite, Ef=140 GPa (aramid fiber), Em=5 GPa (epoxy)

Solution:-

Ec,II= Ef*Vf+ Em*(1-Vf)

= 140*0.6+5*0.5 =86 GPa

Example :-what is the ratio of the longitudinal modulus of elasticity to the

transverse modulus for a composite with continuous aligned fiber constituting (50
%) of the volume if the tensile modulus of the fiber (50 times) that of the matrix .

Solution :-

Ec,11=Em*Vm+Ef*Vf

= Em*0.5+50 Em*0.5= 25.5 Em

a)

20
Ex:- A composite material has a longitudinal modulus of elasticity of (18.2 GPa).
Containing unidirectional S – glass fibers in on epoxy matrix. Determine,

a) Volume fraction of glass fiber and the epoxy matrix.

b) The density of the composite.
c) The ratio of load carried by the fibers to that carried by the matrix.

Note :- Density of epoxy = 1.3 gm/cm3

Density of glass = 2.2 gm/cm3

Modulus of epoxy = 2.75 GPa.

Modulus of glass =380 GPa.

Solution :-

a) Ec=Em*(1-Vf )+Ef*Vf

18.2=2.75*(1- Vf )+380* Vf

Vf =0.041 Vm=(1- Vf )=0.959

b)
=1.3*0.959+2.2*0.041

=1.2467+0.9902=1.3369 gm/cm3

c) =5.91

21
Principles of fiber reinforcement
Many factors must be considered when designing a fiber – reinforced composite,
including the length , diameter , orientation , amount , properties of the fibers,
properties of matrix and the bonding between fibers and matrix .

Influence of fiber length

Length of short discontinuous fibers has greater effect on the properties of the
composite materials.

Fibers dimensions are often characterized by the aspect ratio ( ) where

l - Fiber length

d - Fiber diameter

The strength of composite improves when the aspect ratio is large.

For example increasing the length of chopped E – glass fibers in an epoxy

matrix increases the strength of the composite. as shown in figure below :

22
 When a load is applied to a composite it is applied to the matrix and transferred to
the fibers by some combination of shear and tensile stresses acting across the
interface. as showing in following figure .

The discontinuous fiber in the matrix stretched as a result of interfacial shear

stresses acting on the surfaces of the fiber.

Theses shear stresses will be maximum at the ends of the fiber. While the
tensile stresses is zero at the ends and maximum at the middle.

Consider the interfacial shear stress acting on single fiber in a matrix in the
following figure.

If ( ) is the average interfacial shear stress, then the shear force acting on a
section of the fiber length ( x ) and of uniform cross-sectional diameter (D) is the:

Shear force =shear stress * area

=
This shear force is equal to normal force on the fiber, therefore

and so
23
 The stress increases from zero at the end of a fiber, i.e. When (x=0) , to its
maximum possible value when (X= Lc )

Hence , the maximum value of the tensile stresses is given by:

Maximum =

Then the critical fiber length (Lc), for any given fiber diameter (D) can be
determined

L c=
Critical length :- It is the minimum length at which the tensile stress in the fiber
reaches the maximum value.

If the fiber length (L=LC )

The stress position profile shown in fig. (1,a).it can be seen that the maximum fiber
load is achieved only at the axial center of the fiber.

If the fiber length (L >LC)

The fiber reinforcement becomes more effective as shown in fig. (1,b).

If the fiber length (L < LC)

It is observing little reinforcing effect as shown in fig. (1,c).

When fibers have length(L>>LC) (normally L>>15LC)

Are termed continuous.

24
Summary

For L<LC strength is relatively low (low effective)

For L=LC moderate strength

For L>LC strength is relatively high (more effective)

For L>>LC (L>15LC) strength equivalent to iso- strain model

(Continuous)

25
Calculations of Average Stress

Average stress = [ ]

=[ ]

Average stress

Average stress

Calculation of the Strength of the Composite

[ ]

[ ]

26
Example:- A glass fiber polyester composite contains (60%) by volume of fibers. The
fibers being of length (3mm) with diameter (0.005mm). If the failure stress for the
fibers is (1500 MPa), the shear strength (25 MPa), and the matrix has a tensile strength
of (50 MPa) . Determine:

- Critical length of the fiber

- Max. average stress

- Strength of the composite

And compare the strength when used a continuous fiber, and when used fiber equal to
critical length.

Solution

Max. average stress =[ ] [ ]

Hence, the strength of the composite is:

[ ]

[ ]

When used a continuous fiber

When used a critical length

27
Example:- The longitudinal modulus of elasticity for an aligned discontinuous fiber
composite if the fibers constitute ( 40%) of the volume fraction is equal to (131GPa) ,
the fibers have a modulus of elasticity of (400GPa),and the matrix modulus of (5GPa ) .
Calculate the critical length, if the length of the fiber = (2 mm) and the critical length is
less than the fiber length.

Solution:

[ ]

[ ]

28
 - Influence of volume fraction of fibers
A greater volume fraction of fibers increases the strength and stiffness of the
composite, as expected from the rule of mixtures. Howerer, the maximum volume
fraction is about (80%) beyond fibers can no longer be completely surround be the
matrix.

- Influence of fiber orientation and concentration

The arrangement or orientation of fibers, fiber concentration and the distribution all
have a significant influence on the strength and other properties of fiber –reinforced
composite.

Unidirectional arrangements of fibers properties give good strength these happen at

o
(0 ). From the following figure, it can be seen the effect of fiber angle on the tensile
strength. However, unidirectional orientations provide poor properties if the load is
perpendicular to the fiber.

29
Stress-Strain behavior of aligned fiber composite
The following figure represented schematically stress-strain behaviors for the fiber
and matrix (loaded in the longitudinal direction).

- In the stage I region,

Both fibers and matrix deform

elastically.

- In stage Π

The matrix starts to yield as the

fibers continue to deform elasticity.

-The onset of composite failure

begins as fibers start to fracture.

30
Therefore in composites the main causes of failure can be:

a) Breaking of fibers.
b) Deboning (separation of fibers and matrix).
c) Micro cracking of the matrix.
d) Delamination.

Components of composite materials

1. Matrix
2. Reinforcement
3. Interface

The interface is a bonding surface or zone between the reinforcement and matrix.

- The matrix material must "wet " the reinforcement. Coupling agents are frequently
used to improve wettability.

(Wetted reinforcement increase the interface surface area and bonding).

- The applied load is transfer from matrix to the reinforcement via the interface.
This means that the interface must be larger and exhibit strong adhesion between
the reinforcement and matrix.
- Coupling Agents form the interphase which has different mechanical properties
from that of matrix and reinforcement.

31
There for the mechanical properties depend on the properties of the interphase also .

The General Requirement of the interphase

- Big bond In order to carry the load from the matrix to
- chemical stability reinforcement

Therefore the interphase depend on

1) Reinforcement shape.
2) Surface roughness of the reinforcement.
3) Treated the surface by coupling agent (wettability).

32
 Types of bond

1) Mechanical bond

That depends on surface roughness

2) chemical bond

‫عن طريق الترابط بأواصر تساهمية أو أيونية أو معدنية‬

When the wettability increase → increase chemical bonding.

 Failure at the interface ( called deboning )

 The interfacial strength ( max. shear stress)

Adhesion failure between the reinforcement and matrix is measured by three -

point bending test by founding max. Shear stress ( ).

Where:-

P= force at the fracture (N).

b = width of the composite specimen (mm).

d = thickness of the composite specimen (mm).

33
Advantages of composite Materials
1) High resistance to fatigue and corrosion degradation.
2) High strength - to - weight ratio, as shown in the following table.

Strength Density Strength-to-weight ratio

Material (Ib/in2) (Ib/in3) (in)
Poly ethylene 1000 0.030 0.03*106
Pure aluminum 6500 0.098 0.07*106
Epoxy 1500 0.050 0.3 *106
Alloy steel 240000 0.28 0.86 *106
Aluminum alloy 86000 0.098 0.88*106
Titanium alloy 170000 0.16 1.06 *106
Carbon-carbon composite 60000 0.065 0.92 *106
Carbon-epoxy composite 80000 0.050 1.6 *106

3) Due to greater reliability, there are fewer structural repair.

4) Composite are dimensionally stable, i.e. they have low thermal conductivity and
low coefficient of thermal expansion.
5) Manufacture and assembly are simplified.

Limitation of Composite Materials

1) High cost of raw materials and fabrication.
2) Composites are more brittle than metals and thus are more easily damaged.
3) Transverse properties may be weak.
4) Reuse may be difficult.
5) Difficult to attach.
6) Analysis is difficult.

Comparison between Composite and Metals

1) Composites offer significant weight saving over existing metals. Composite can
provide structures that are (25-45%) lighter than the conventional metal structure
for the save functional requirement. This is due to lower density of the
composites.

34
 i.e. densities of composites range from (1.26-1.82 gm/cm3) as compared to (2.8
gm/cm3) for aluminum.

2) Unidirectional fiber composite have specific tensile strength (ratio of material

strength to density) about (4- 6) times greater than that of steel and aluminum.
3) Unidirectional composites have specific – modulus (ratio of the material stiffness
to density) about (3 -5) times greater than of steel and aluminum.

Durability of Polymer Composites

Polymer composites change with time and most significant factors are:-

1) Elevated temperature.
2) Fire.
3) Moisture.
4) Adversed chemical environments.
5) Natural weathering when exposed to sun’s ultra- violet radiation.

Temperature
 Fluctuating temperature have greater deterioration effect on the properties of
composites. Different in coefficient of thermal expansion coefficient of
reinforcement and matrix may cause deponding.
 Exposed to high temperatures lead to discoloration of the resin becoming yellow.
As a result of exposure to high temperature, the composite becomes brittle.
35
  The effect of temperature on strength of materials represented by the following
figure.

Fire
A composite material must meet appropriate standards of fire performance.

- Aluminum trihydrate
Are used as fillers to enable flame – retardant properties

- Antimony trioxide

Moisture
Polymer absorbs water which may cause a decrease in strength and modulus of
elasticity. Absorption of water by polyesters and epoxies lead to swelling of laminate.

Water will also cause some surface flaws on fibers, long-term of water absorption
may cause weakening of the bond between fiber and polymer.

36
Weathering
Natural weathering can affect mechanical properties of composite through surface
deboning.

Because of weathering is surface effect, thickness of laminate becomes important.

3mm thickness (12-20%) reduction in flexural stress after 15 years

10 mm thickness ~ 3% reduction in flexural stress after 50 years

Disadvantages of polymers in construction are

1) High cost of materials.
2) Low stiffness and strength.
3) Poor scratch resistance.
4) Degradation under UV light ( stabilizers used)
5) Low resistance to fire and high temperature (additive used).

The most fibers used in composite material are :-

1) Glass fiber
 The most common and inexpensive fiber, usually used for the
reinforcement of polymer matrices.
 Typical composition is (50-60% SiO2), and other oxides of (Al, Ca, Mg,
Na,…….etc.).
 Glass fibers are available as:-
a) Chopped strands.
b) Continuous yarn.
c) Roving.
d) Fabric sheet.
 Properties of Glass fiber
- Good dimensional stability.
- Resistant to heat.
- Strength - to – density is high.
2) Carbon fibers
a) Carbon is very light element, with density about (2.39 gm/cm3).
b) Carbon has excellent compression properties.
c) Good thermal properties.
d) Carbon fiber adds electrical conductive properties to composite.

37
3) Ceramic fiber

Alumina (Al2O3)

 Such as

Silicon carbide (SiC)

 It is used in very high temperature applications.

 It has poor properties in tension and shear.
4) Metallic fiber
 Such as steel and tungsten.
 Have high strength.
 Density is very high for these fibers.
5) Natural fibers
 Cotton
 Flax
 Jute
 Hemp
 Ramie
 Wood
 Straw
 Hair
 Wool
 Silk

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