Mechanical and machining characteristics of GF/PP and GF/Polyester composites

The influence of two types of matrices on material response of woven glass fiber (GF) composites is studied. This study presents a comparison of the tensile, flexural and interlaminar properties of woven roving fiber reinforced thermoplastics and thermoset composites. The failure modes of the composites are evaluated and assessed by scanning electron micrographs of the fiber/matrix interface. The dynamic mechanical properties have been studied for the polypropylene (PP) with and without reinforcements. Further drilling studies have been conducted to assess the machinability characteristics in terms of thrust, torque, tool wear, surface roughness and chip morphology. The tribological phenomena in the cutting zone are reported. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.