Reinforcing effects of glass fiber/p-DCPD with fiber concentrations, types, lengths and surface treatment

The effects of various reinforcement parameters in glass fiber (GF)/poly dicyclopentadiene (p-DCPD) composites were studied help facilitate the manufacture of high performance composites, especially for use at low temperatures. These parameters included different types, lengths, concentrations, and surface treatments of GF. Optimum length, concentration, interfacial conditions, and type of GF are important in the fabrication of composites with the enhanced mechanical and impact properties. The interfacial conditions of GF in the p-DCPD matrix where altered using norbornene functional silane as determined by mechanical measurements for the different fiber types and conditions. The optimal concentration of H-GF, of 100 mm length, in GF/p-DCPD composites for the production of high mechanical property was found to be 20 wt%. This was attributed to the good mobility of 100  mm GF in the matrix such that at 20 wt% in GF/p-DCPD there was low entanglement between the GFs. Norbornene treatment of the GF resulted in improved reaction between the GF and the p-DCPD. This is thought to be due to the norbonene group's similarity to the p-DCPD matrix improving the reaction between the GF and the p-DCPD matrix.