Air Textured S-Glass Rovings for Improved 2D Epoxy Laminate Interlaminar Properties(1001-435)

Triton Systems Inc. along with program partner Fiberglass Industries Inc. of Amsterdam, NY propose to demonstrate the benefits of an air textured S-2 / S-Glass rovings for the improvement of 2D composite interlaminar properties. Improvement of interlaminar shear strength properties is a focal point for the Navy regarding 2D helicopter rotor hub laminates. Unidirectional hybrid composite constructions consisting of non-textured S-2 glass fiber combined with various percentages of air textured S-2 and S-Glass rovings will be produced to characterize the mechanical trade-offs between interlaminar and in-plane properties. This hybrid reinforcement design is intended to provide improved interlaminar composite properties (air textured roving) but with minimal reduction of in-plane mechanical properties (non textured roving). Air textured yarns are processed using continuous filament materials and introduce durable crimps, coils, loops or other filament distortions along the length of the roving. It is this feature that will promote physical entanglement with over and underlying plies and provide improved interlaminar strengths vs. typical 2D laminate constructions. This construction will be equally effective whether unidirectional, a 0o, 90o or in a quasi-isotropic lay-up.