Polymer Engineering and Science, Vol.36, No.8, 1087-1091, 1996
On the Role of Electric Forces in the Processing of Composites Prepared with Polymeric Matrices
Thermosetting and thermoplastic polymeric binders in the powder form and reinforcing carbon-, glass-, and organic fiber fillers were used to study the effects of electric forces on different stages of composites processing. Electric fields appear to uniformly distribute the powder binder across the filler surface as well as through its bulk. They favor stronger interaction of the components, leading to composites with better physical-and-mechanical performance properties. The optimal conditions provided for mixing of the components in an electrostatic field promote higher strength (by 1.5-1.8 times) and lower porosity (by 2-3 times) of carbon-, and glass-fiber reinforced plastics.