Fibre-reinforced Polymer Composites

Mechanical properties of some common fibers used to reinforce polymer composites:

• 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.

Temperature ^oC
K
^oF

Length m
km
in
ft
yards
miles
naut miles

Area m²
km²
in²
ft²
miles²
acres

Volume m³
liters
in³
ft³
us gal

Weight kg_f
N
lbf

Velocity m/s
km/h
ft/min
ft/s
mph
knots

Pressure Pa
bar
mm H₂O
kg/cm²
psi
inches H₂O

Flow m³/s
m³/h
US gpm
cfm