What are fibre reinforcement materials?
Fibre reinforcement materials is the umbrella term that describes all kinds of fabric, fibre and fibre material. These fibres, when combined with a material such as epoxy or polyester, guarantee increased mechanical properties.
Well-known types of reinforcement materials are glass fibres, glass fabrics, carbon (carbon) and aramid (Kevlar) fabrics.
Glass fabrics, cut glass fibre and ground glass fibre are reinforcement materials that are made from very fine glass wire.
Properties of reinforcement materials
Reinforcement materials have a number of unique properties that can be fully developed after impregnation with epoxy, polyester or vinylester.
- Reinforcement materials are wear-resistant
- Durable in processing
- High impact resistance
- Carbon is very light
- Provides stiffness
- Kevlar is very strong at point pressure and impact
- Increased mechanical properties
- Glass fabrics and fibres have high resistance to water
Applications of reinforcement materials
In the composites industry, glass fibre is often used as reinforcement material. The woven structures of glass fabric provide a more durable structure in combination with polyester or epoxy resin. The combination of polyester and glass fibre is also frequently used by private individuals, for example when repairing the hull of a boat.
In sectors where it is important to have a good resistance to local impact, Kevlar, also better known as aramid fabric, is frequently used. In the car industry and in the manufacture of sports articles, carbon materials are often used. These are also known as carbon fibres. These ensure a higher stiffness of the laminate.
Of all the types of reinforcement materials, there is one that is used in almost every sector, namely glass fibre. This is one of the most easily handled forms of durable reinforcement material.
Glass fibre is characterised by its different versions. For example, there is glass fibre in matt format known as glass mat, suitable for coating and protecting large surfaces, but also cut glass fibre for making glass fibre-reinforced putties and pastes.
Furthermore, glass fibre is also available as a surface fleece, which consists of a thin layer of glass mat used to obtain a finished surface.
Natural reinforcement fibres
In recent years, more and more natural reinforcement materials have come into the picture. Linen and flax, for example, are becoming increasingly popular. These fibres can be processed in the same way as glass fibre. They have the advantage that, when applied with bio-based resins, the ecological footprint is considerably reduced.
Basalt fibre is also used in applications where fire behaviour is important. This rock has a brownish colour, and in combination with fire-retardant resins has a high flame resistance.
Working with reinforcement materials
As reinforcing materials are no hazardous materials, there is no need for extra protective materials when working with them.
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Benefits
- Reasonable price
- Can be combined with polyester, epoxy, vinyleste
- High compressive and tensile strength
- Durable
- Wear-resistant
Disadvantages
- Limited supply of natural fibres
- Higher resin consumption for glass fibre
- Conductivity of carbon