EXPERIMENTAL DETERMINATION OF THERMAL PROPERTIES OF CHOPPED FIBER COMPOSITE MATERIALS

Abstract

Mechanical properties of chopped composites are one of the most important parameter for determining the application of the use of these materials. An experimental identification for mechanical properties of different composite material was conducted. Tensile test at different temperatures,-40°c, 25°c (normal), 100 °c and 200 °c were done. Three different chopped composites which are Carbon fiber, Basalt and Fiber glass with a phenol resin as a matrix were selected to determine their mechanical properties. For comparison with the previous type of composite materials, a carbon fiber with epoxy resin as a matrix was selected. Carbon fiber with the epoxy was the highest mechanical properties among these materials, but when the temperature raised, its tensile property deteriorated whereas the carbon fiber with the phenol withstand the elevated temperatures. Three point bending and compression tests were done for these materials; Carbon fiber with Epoxy was the highest properties. Hardness test as another important factor was done for those composite materials. The four materials are in the rigid zone but also carbon fiber with epoxy was the hardest material among the selected materials.