Molecular characterization of glass fiber surface coatings for thermosetting polymer matrix/glass fiber composites

Model multi-component glass fiber sizings, with formulations based upon cur rent patent disclosures, were prepared to model the full coating packages u sed in commercial glass fiber manufacture. The sizings consisted of silane coupling agent, film former, and emulsifying surfactant in water and were a pplied to glass fibers prepared directly from molten glass. Fibers were ana lyzed before and after acetone extraction. The analyses of the extract solu tions, with the fiber analysis, were used to determine the quantity and qua lity of the physically and chemically adsorbed layers. It was found that al l three species remain on the fiber after extraction and that both coupling agent and surfactant concentrations in the coatings are higher than in the applied sizing. The impact of these species on the polymer composite/glass fiber interphase is discussed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights r eserved.