(2d) Improvement of Fiber-Reinforced Composites

Composites represent an important new class of materials made by imbedding fibers into a polymeric resin. They are often lighter and stronger than other materials of equivalent volume, and are being used in the production of new generations of airplanes, military protective gear and sporting goods, among others. Their properties depend not only on the bulk properties of the resin and the fibers, but also on the adhesion between the fiber surfaces and the matrix, and arrangement of the fibers within the matrix. Surface treatment of fibers to improve adhesion is a common method of improving composite strength. Our research has been exploring different surface treatments of glass fibers, specifically dendrimer coatings, that help improve adhesion and potentially decrease unwanted inter-fiber effects.