Glass Fiber in Composite Material

SICHUAN SINCERE & LONG-TERM COMPLEX MATERIALS CO.,LTD. is a modern high-tech corporation which is professionally engaging in the glass fiber products exploring, designing,producing and application. The structural properties of composite materials are derived primarily from the fiber reinforcement. In a composite, the fiber, held in place by the matrix resin, contributes high tensile strength, enhancing performance properties in the final part, such as strength and stiffness, while minimizing finished component weight.

Fiber properties are determined by the fiber manufacturing process, the fiber's chemical constituents and the coating chemistries that adapt the fiber for adhesion to the resin matrix and protect it during further processing.

Glass fibers

The vast majority of all fibers used in the composites industry are glass. Glass fibers are the oldest and, by far, the most common reinforcement used in most end-market applications (the aerospace industry is a significant exception) to replace heavier metal parts. Glass fiber weighs more than the second most common reinforcement, carbon fiber, and is not as stiff, but is more impact-resistant and has a greater elongation-to-break (that is, it elongates to a greater degree before it breaks). Depending upon the glass type, filament diameter, coating chemistry and fiber form, a wide range of properties and performance levels can be achieved.

During glass fiber production, raw materials are melted and drawn into delicate and highly abrasive filaments, ranging in diameter from 3.5 to 24 μm. Silica sand is the primary raw ingredient, typically accounting for more than 50% of glass fiber weight. Metal oxides and other ingredients can be added to the silica and processing methods can be varied to customize the fibers for particular applications.

Glass filaments are supplied in bundles called strands. A strand is a collection of continuous glass filaments. Roving generally refers to a bundle of untwisted strands, packaged, like thread, on a large spool. Single-end roving consists of strands that made up of continuous, multiple glass filaments that run the length of the strand. Multiple-end roving contains lengthy but not entirely continuous strands, which are added or dropped in a staggered arrangement during the spooling process. Yarn is a collection of strands that are twisted together.