Improved Mechanical Properties in Hydrodynamically Aligned, Short-Fiber Composite Materials

Abstract

A hydrodynamic method has been employed to align short, reinforcing fibers in polymer matrix composite materials. Samples of composite materials were prepared and tested two at a time (one with randomly oriented fibers and the other with aligned fibers) to isolate and directly measure the effect on mechanical properties of aligning the fibers. Data were collected on the ultimate tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, and ultimate tensile strain of the composite samples prepared. The results show that the aligned fibers were approximately twice as effective as randomly oriented fibers at stiffening and strengthening the composite in the alignment direction.