EBP 415 FIBER
PROCESSING
1.0 INTRODUCTION AND BASICS
Definition
A fiber is defined as an object with a length-to-diameter ratio
(aspect ratio) of at least 100.
Aspect ratio = length / diameter
Fiber classification in reinforced plastics falls into two
classes:
short fibers, also known as discontinuous fibers, with a general
aspect ratio (defined as the ratio of fiber length to diameter)
between 20 to 60, and
long fibers, also known as continuous fibers, the general aspect
ratio is between 200 to 500.
Table: Fiber glass filament diameter nomenclature (2001 ASM International
ASM Handbook, Vol. 21: Composites)
Figure: Fiber forms at different scales
1.1 FIBER CLASSIFICATION
Natural fibers
Vegetable (Plant)
Animal
Mineral
Man-made fibers
Inorganic
Natural polymer
Synthetic polymer
Natural fibers classification
VEGETABLE FIBERS
Cotton
VEGETABLE FIBERS
Bamboo T-shirts from Chile
Natural fiber thermoplastic composites
ANIMAL FIBERS
MINERAL FIBERS
Asbestos fibers
Cement pipes
Cement wallboard
Cement siding
Asphalt floor tile
Vinyl floor tile
Vinyl sheet flooring
Flooring backing
Construction mastics
(floor tile, carpet,
ceiling tile, etc.)
Acoustical plaster
Decorative plaster
Man-made fibers classification
INORGANIC FIBERS
chopped glass fiber
Chopped strand mat
Glass fiber
Glass fiber roving
NATURAL POLYMERS- REGENERATED FIBERS
Rayon
Sorona fiber
SYNTHETIC FIBERS
Airbag:- nylon 6,6
Firefighter apparel
from
Polybenzimidazole
(PBI)
Products made of Kevlar