Mechanical and fracture properties of R-glass reinforced composites with pyrolysed polysiloxane resin as a matrix

Mechanical and fracture properties of unidirectional composites reinforced with R-glass fibres and utilizing various commercially available polysiloxane resins as matrix precursors were investigated. As the matrix becomes more brittle after the pyrolysis the impact toughness and flexural strength of the composites fall. On the other hand, the shear modulus rises after the pyrolysis as the matrix becomes stiffer in shear. The appearance of fracture surfaces generated during the flexural strength at room temperature (RT) and elevated temperatures is discussed.