The Influence of Fibre Properties on the Properties of Glass-Fibre-Reinforced Polyamide 6,6

Abstract

We discuss the effect of fibre strength and diameter on the balance of mechanical properties of glass reinforced polyamide 6,6. The results show that the elastic properties of injection moulded short glass fibre reinforced polyamide 6,6 are not strongly influenced by fibre diameter in the 10-17 micron range. The ultimate properties of these composites (strength and Izod impact) showed a clear dependence on fibre diameter and the presence of high strength S-2 glass® fibres. Tensile elongation, tensile and flexural strength, and unnotched Izod impact all decreased significantly over the 10-17 micron diameter range. Notched Izod impact showed a small but significant increase over the same range. Addition of 20% w/w of S-2 glass® to the 17 micron E-glass resulted in an 8% improvement in the fibre contribution to composite strength.