A study of the thermal degradation of glass fibre sizings at composite processing temperatures

Although not fully understood, it is well recognized that optimal working of glass fibre sizings is necessary to maximize the performance of glass fibre reinforced polymer composites. It is important that the organic components in such sizings continue to function after exposure to the high temperatures often experienced during composite processing. This study presents the results on the thermal stability of polypropylene and epoxy compatible glass fibre sizings obtained using TGA, microbond adhesion measurement and composite mechanical testing. Test results indicate that the performance of commercial polypropylene compatible glass fibre sizings can be significantly compromised by thermo-oxidative degradation at normal composite processing temperatures. A significant reduction in composite performance is directly related to a loss of fibre-matrix adhesion caused by thermal degradation of some of the principal sizing components.

尽管尚未完全了解，但人们充分认识到，玻璃纤维浸润剂的最佳作用对于使玻璃纤维增强聚合物复合材料的性能最大化是必要的。重要的是，此类浸润剂中的有机成分在暴露于复合材料加工过程中经常遇到的高温后仍能继续发挥作用。本研究通过热重分析（TGA）、微粘结附着力测量以及复合材料力学测试，给出了聚丙烯和环氧兼容的玻璃纤维浸润剂热稳定性的结果。测试结果表明，在正常的复合材料加工温度下，商业用聚丙烯兼容的玻璃纤维浸润剂的性能会因热氧化降解而显著受损。复合材料性能的显著下降与一些主要浸润剂成分的热降解导致的纤维 - 基体附着力丧失直接相关。