Masters Theses

Abstract

"A "transparent” composite was produced by reinforcing poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) with unidirectional borosilicate glass fibers. Composites with 40 volume percent fiber had a modulus of rupture of 600 MPa which is six times greater than that of pure PMMA. Young's modulus for the same composite was 18 MPA which is nine times greater than the 2 MPa measured for pure PMMA. Work of fracture was 110 kJ/m2 or more than double the 45 kJ/m2 required to fracture pure PMMA. The optical transmission of the composite with 30 volume percent fiber was approximately 40 percent through a 10 mm thickness as measured by a double beam spectrophotometer. Typewritten text could be clearly read through the composite when it was laid directly on a printed page.

A change in fiber diameter had no measurable effect on the mechanical properties of the composite for fibers between 10 and 65 µm in diameter. The bending strength and Young's modulus of the composite both decreased as the temperature was increased between 25 and 125°C. The work of fracture was not significantly changed over the same temperature range.

The mechanical property improvements are adequate for the proposed application. Optical properties are superior to comparable products which are commercially available and further improvement is anticipated"--Abstract, page iv.

Advisor(s)

Day, D. E.

Committee Member(s)

Moore, Robert E., 1930-2003
Stoffer, James O.

Department(s)

Materials Science and Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Ceramic Engineering

Comments

This work was funded by McDonnell Aircraft Company.

Publisher

University of Missouri--Rolla

Publication Date

Fall 1988

Pagination

xii, 75 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 60-61).

Rights

© 1988 James R. Olson, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Thesis Number

T 5777

Print OCLC #

19467786

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