Rheological characterization of polymers fiber composite

The use of reinforced polymer composites has continued to show substantial growth due to desirable cost and performance characteristics, especially related to mechanical properties. Wollastonite and glass fibers are materials that can be used to improve polymer performance. Its vast array of applications suggests potential usage in various fields of work (e.g., plastics, friction materials paintings, coating, and construction products), but there is not much data available in the literature related to rheological properties of fiber reinforced polymers. In this work, a study of shear and extensional properties of composite materials containing wollastonite and glass fibers is performed using rotational and extensional rheometry. Suspensions containing different concentrations of wollastonite and glass fibers, in Newtonian and viscoelastic matrices are investigated. Results are obtained for different concentrations and temperatures. It is observed that even the addition of low fiber concentration can affect both shear and elongational properties, leading to different final products characteristics. POLYM. COMPOS. 34:1269–1278, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers