Actividad # 2: Investigación sobre fibras.

Materiales Compuestos I.

Grupo: 003

Alumno: Guillermo Chavira Jiménez- 1791559.

Docente: Dra. María de Jesús De La Garza Galván.

Introduction.
When we talk about composite material, we might think on an art of state material and this is
partially true because even a wood sheet is considered a composite but let´s define this concept:

“A composite material can be defined as a combination of two or more materials that results in
better properties than those of the individual components used alone.”

F.C. Campbell (Campbell, 2010).

That is a simple way to define this concept, it is also true to say that a composite is a material
system composed by two elements:

• A matrix, usually classified as PMC (Polymeric matrix composite), CMC (Ceramic matrix
composite), MMC (Metallic matrix composite).
• A Reinforcing material usually classified as continuous and discontinuous and can be made
of carbon, glass or aramid.

For this research we are going to review continuous fibers.

Woven fabrics.
How are weaves fabricated? The process consists on interlacing a set of yarn; A warp, that is
parallel to the length of the roll and a fill, weft or woof that is perpendicular. This configuration
improves fibers resistance to fracture or delamination. It is important to mention that there is not
a rule on fibers direction, but they are usually 0°,90° orientation.

Figure 1 interlacing .(Campbell, 2010).

Figure 2 Plain and satin weaves .(Campbell, 2010).

Types of weaves.
• Plain weave: This is the most common type of fabric and is the most resistance to in-plane
shear movement. Fibers orientation are 0°,90°.

Figure 3. Plain weave(Foreman, n.d.)

• Basket weave: is a variation of plain weave but there is a variation on the interlacing
arrangement (usually 2x2). It is also stronger than pain.

Figure 4. Basket weave (Woven fabric, n.d)

• Satin weaves. Main characteristic is that the minimum interlacing that mean less in-plane
shear movement resistance, they are used for repair applications.

Figure 5. Satin weaves.(Foreman, n.d.)

 • Twill weaves: warp fiber alternate over and under weft fiber in a pattern. This fabric
produces smoother surface and slightly higher mechanical properties.

Figure 6. Twill weave.(Foreman, n.d.).

• Leno and mock leno weaves: Are also plain weave variation, they are rarely used on
structural composites, and when they are used it is conjunction with other fabric. On these
weaves warp fibers are twisted around consecutive weft fibers to form a spiral pair.

Figure 7. Leno weaves. (Woven fabric, n.d)

Aerospace Applications.
According to (Foreman, n.d.). Satin weaves styles 7781,181 and 1581 are very used on repair
operation. Also, Kevlar style120 are used on the construction of honeycomb panels.

Figure 8 Composite materials of B737-300.(Foreman, n.d.)

Prepregs
Prepregs is the name of the process where fabrics and fiber are pre-impregnated, using heat,
pressure, solvent or pre-catalyzed resin, to ensure that the prepreg can last week or moths and
still being useful.

The manufacturing process consists on applying a mixed resin on fiber or woven cloths.

The resin mixing process starts on A-stage where the resin is set on a mixer with other agents and
slowly heated up, resulting in a very low density. Since there is a risk of an exothermic reaction
some curing agents are pre-mixed. The last step of resin A-stage is frozen the mixed resin.

On B-stage mixed resin is re-melted then it is layed-out on our fibers.

Figure 9. Resin mixing process (Campbell,2010).

Figure 10. Commonly used prepregs (Campbell,2010).

Aerospace Application.

On aerospace prepregs are used for wing, fuselage, radomes, cowlings. It is important to mention
that prepregs play a role on vibration isolation when used on fuselages.

References.
Campbell, F. C. (2010). Structural Composite Meterials. Geostatistics.
Foreman, C. (n.d.). Advanced Composites Project.
David Cripps. (n.d). Woven Fabrics. Retrieved from: https://netcomposites.com/guide-
tools/guide/reinforcements/woven-fabrics/

David Cripps. (n.d). Prepregs Retrieved from https://netcomposites.com/guide-

tools/guide/manufacturing/prepreg-moulding/