Custom Search

Fibers in Polymer Composites

Mechanical properties of fibers used in polymer composites

Sponsored Links

Mechanical properties of some common fibers used in polymer composites are indicated below:

Fiber	Tensile Strength		Tensile Modulus (Young Modulus)		Elongation (%)	Density
Fiber	(MPa)	(10³ psi)	GPa	(10⁶ psi)	Elongation (%)	(kg/m³)	(lb/in³)
E-Glass	3500	510	72.5	10.5	4.9	2630	0.095
S-Glass	4600	670	88	12.8	5.5	2490	0.09
AS-4 PAN-Based Carbon	4000	578	245	35.5	1.6	1800	0.065
IM-7 PAN-Based Carbon	4900	710	317	46	1.7	1744	0.063
P120 Pitch-Based Graphite	2250	325	827	120	0.27	2187	0.079
Alumina/Silica	1950	280	297	43		3280	0.12
Kevlar 29	2860	410	64	9.3		1440	0.052
Kevlar 49	3650	530	124	18	2.5	1440	0.052
Boron	3620	525	400	58	1	2574	0.093

E-glass - A low alkali borosilicate glass with good electrical and mechanical properties and good chemical resistance. The most widely used in fibers for reinforcing plastics.
S-Glass is a stiffer/stronger version of E-glass which is also used in polymer matrix composites. S-Glass is generally used for polymer matrix composites that require improved mechanical properties compared to E-glass based composites.
PAN-Based Carbon fibers are made of polyacrylonitrile (PAN). Carbon fibers are high-strength and high-
stiffness materials used in advanced constructions like military aircrafts etc.
Alumina/Silica or trademark Saffil is produced as a fiber and was developed for thermal insulation at higher temperatures.
Kevlar 29 is used in industrial applications such as cables, asbestos replacement, brake linings, and body armor.
Kevlar 49 is considered to have the greatest tensile strength of all the aramids, and is used in applications such as plastic reinforcement for boat hulls, airplanes, and bikes.