Mechanical properties of glass silicate based composites : effects of varying fibre volume fractions

The general mechanical characteristics of fibre reinforced ceramic silicates composites were investigated as a function of the volume fraction of reinforcing fibres . The microstructures of the composites after moulding process are important in determining the strength and their fracture mechanism. It is revealed the micro-cracks and interfacial debonding were caused by stress concentrations and differential contraction between fibre and matrix. This evaluation used chopped fibres (Alkali Resistant-AR glass fibre) as reinforcement with fibre volume fraction varied under optimised moulding conditions (temperature and pressure). The selected formulation was used for the standard analysis of structural behaviour composite and for fracture surfaces analysis. The results showed that composite stress-strain behaviour and the residual stresses associated with moulding could be controlled by the moulding process and volume fractions. This is supported by results of residual stress simulation and analysis between the fibre matrix in interfaces.