Microstructural correlations in short-aligned glass fiber composites

Research shows that in unidirectional composites, fiber breaks and clusters of fiber breaks play a role in the failure onset of the composites [1]. So far, we know no attempts to the date have been made to analyze the fiber break development in short-aligned fiber composites, specifically using E-glass HYBON 2026. O[1]ur challenge is to determine whether there is a similar behavior in aligned short composites and its relationship with the microstructural parameter of fiber orientation distribution. This is important as it is measurable parameter to add value to recycled fiber composites. The more aligned the composite the higher mechanical properties and the higher the added value for recycling. We focused on using synchrotron x-ray computed tomography while performing hold-at-displacement scans to evaluate the fiber microstructure. We found the fiber breaks do not have the same orientation distribution as the non-broken fibers.