Improving the compatibility of man-made fibre reinforced composites

Abstract

Composites are made of two or more different materials which constitute the modernest family of construction materials for technical applications. Fibre reinforced composites are unique materials and are heterogeneous in composition. High strength/weight ratio is characteristic for them which is advantageous in many points of view. E.g. cost for moving them is much more lower than for conventional materials, they are advantageous environmentally either, do not need high maintenance costs and allow high creativity in shapes and functions. For properties of fibre reinforced composites interaction between the fibres and the matrix is especially important beside the mechanical properties of the building parts. As their chemical compositions significantly differ from each other the proper adhesion could be achieved by application of compatibility improving so called compatibilizing additive which is able to connect either to the fibres or the matrix due to its chemical composition. Such compatibilizing additives were produced, which are able to solve or at least reduce the incompatibility problem in carbon fibre reinforced thermoplastic and glass fibre reinforced thermoset composite systems.