The Influence of Multilive Feed Processing and Fibre Length on the Stiffness and Strength of Injection Moulded 50% w/w Glass/Nylon 6,6 Composites

The influence of fibre aspect ratio on multilive feed glass fibre /nylon 6, 6 composites has been studied using two model materials based on extrusion and pultrusion compounding. Characterisation of the microstructure of these compounds revealed that the fibre orientation distribution and volume fraction were similar between the compounds, but the fibre length distributions were found to be different, with the compound produced by pultrusion compounding having the larger mean fibre aspect ratio. The mechanical performance of the two compounds was evaluated in terms of stiffness and strength across a wide range of service conditions using both tensile dilatometry and creep deformation. Under all test conditions, an improved level of mechanical performance was seen for compounds with improved mean fibre aspect ration. Modelling these materials in terms of stiffness and strength also revealed that improved performance is expected with an improved fibre aspect ratio.