Inorganic–organic fiber sizings for enhanced energy absorption in glass fiber-reinforced composites intended for structural applications

Achieving high impact energy absorption without loss of structural performance in a glass fiber-reinforced composite can be obtained through a “materials by design” approach of the fiber matrix interphase through modification of current commercially formulated silane-based fiber sizing packages. In this paper, we document our attempt to balance the structural and impact performance of glass-reinforced composites produced using a fiber-sizing package composed of mixed silane coupling agents to vary the reactivity of the fiber with the matrix phase. Additionally, enhancement of post-failure energy absorption through increased frictional dissipation during fiber–matrix pull-out was explored through control of the surface roughness of the glass fibers. A unique inorganic–organic hybrid fiber sizing formulation was successfully applied at a commercial E-glass manufacturing facility to produce rovings as well as woven fabric reinforcements. Composite materials were manufactured using these specialized fabrics and the preliminary structural and impact energy responses of these materials have been measured.