Making a Nylon - Fibre Composite

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the design of a nylon-fibre composite material intended for a three-point bending test, focusing on the adherence of fibres to nylon and exploring various material options and methods for composite creation. The scope includes experimental and applied aspects of composite material design.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests the idea of melting nylon to incorporate fibres, noting that nylon is a thermoplastic and can solidify with fibres embedded in it.
  • Another participant mentions that nylon composites are common and provides examples of everyday items that utilize fibre-reinforced nylon.
  • A different participant proposes the use of hempsilkotton as a potential fibre option for the composite.
  • Regarding the use of epoxy, it is noted that epoxy resins have polar OH-groups which may enhance adhesion to various fibres, and glass fibre is suggested as a reinforcement option.
  • Participants discuss the possibility of using moulds or layering techniques to shape the composite material.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various ideas and suggestions regarding materials and methods, but no consensus is reached on the best approach or material for the composite design.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include the dependence on specific definitions of materials and the potential variability in the effectiveness of different adhesion methods and fibre types. The discussion does not resolve the optimal method for creating the composite.

raniero
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Hi, I was tasked to design a composite material that will undergo a 3 point bending test. Maximum deflection will be of 15mm and a maximum load of 5kN. The scope of this task is not to prevent failure but to analyse the composite and learn from the design process. Nonetheless the composite should sustain a reasonable load in relation to the given criteria.

To do this I came up with the idea of a fibre and nylon composite. What is the best way to adhere these fibres to nylon? Will epoxy work?

Would it be possible to melt the nylon and let the nylon solidify with fibres in it ?
Note, this will be done on a DIY basis.

Any other material ideas are more than welcome!

Thanks in advance
 
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raniero said:
Would it be possible to melt the nylon and let the nylon solidify with fibres in it ?
Nylon is a thermoplastic so yes.

Nylon composites are common, chances are you have some in your home or garage. Off the top of my head I have cheap garden tools and bicycle parts which are fibre reinforced nylon.
 
What about hempsilkotton?
 
raniero said:
Will epoxy work?

Epoxy resins have polar OH-groups that make them adhere well to most fibres. You could use for an example glass fibre rowings or sheets as the reinforcement. You can use a mould or build your composite layer by layer on a flat surface and process it to desired shape by just cutting the edges. Glass fibre reinforced epoxy resin matrix composites are common in DIY projects.
 

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