Glass Fiber-Reinforced Phenolic Composite

The influence on mechanical properties of E-glass fiber-reinforced phenolic composite was investigated by varying wt % of fiber to resin ratios (20/80, 30/70, 40/60 and 50/50). E-glass fibers of uniform length (25 mm) were mixed with phenolic resin (resol) at room temperature (25 degrees C). The standard test samples of resin-impregnated fibers, for mechanical testing, were made by using die molding technique. The tensile, flexural and impact strengths of these composite materials were evaluated at room temperature using universal testing machines. The random orientation of fibers and non homogeneity of composite was examined by SEM and Digital camera. It was observed that the impact, flexural and tensile strength increase gradually with increase in glass fiber content up to 40% by weight. It was also observed that tensile and impact strength decreased slightly (about 5%) when glass fiber content was increased from 40 to 50% whereas the flexural strength showed a gradual increase.