The influence of fibre properties on the properties of glass-fibre-reinforced polyamide 6,6

We discuss the effect of fibre strength and diameter on the balance of mech anical properties of glass reinforced polyamide 6,6. The results show that the elastic properties of injection moulded short glass fibre reinforced po lyamide 6,6 are not strongly influenced by fibre diameter in the 10-17 micr on range. The ultimate properties of these composites (strength and Izod im pact) showed a clear dependence on fibre diameter and the presence of high strength S-2 glass(R) fibres. Tensile elongation, tensile and flexural stre ngth, and unnotched Izod impact all decreased significantly over the 10-17 micron diameter range. Notched Izod impact showed a small but significant i ncrease over the same range. Addition of 20% w/w of S-2 glass(R) to the 17 micron E-glass resulted in an 8% improvement in the fibre contribution to c omposite strength.